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THE PIONEEE BOYS OF 
THE OHIO 



OR: CLEARING THE WILDERNESS 


THE YOUNG PIONEER SERIES 

BY HARRISON ADAMS 


Illustrated by Charles Livingston Bull 



THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO, 

Or: Clearing the Wilderness . . . $1.25 

THE PIONEER BOYS ON THE GREAT 
LAKES, Or: On the Trail of the Iroquois 1.25 

L. C. PAGE & COMPANY 
53 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 



i • 



cK^Ruf i uv;n«>ton ©1/(4 


“ ‘ HERE WE ARE AT THE SPOT I PICKED OUT FOR YOUR 


{See page 119 .) 


SETTLEMENT 


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(5l|i? Ifoung JItaitrer 

THE PIONEER BOYS 
OF THE OHIO 

OR: CLEARING THE WILDERNESS 


By HARRISON ADAMS 

Author of “ The Pioneer Boys on the Great Lakes,” etc. 



L. C. PAGE & COMPANY 
BOSTON rl? MDCCCCXII 


9Zi 



^ f- 

£ C!. A 3 1 !) 232 I H- 1 7 f. A 



' 


PEEFACE 


My deae Boys: — As doubtless you well know, 
tbe early pioneer days were times that tried 
men^s souls. And boys, hardly in their teens, 
were taught, in the bitter school of experience, 
that they must always live up to the old Puri- 
tan motto, ‘ ^ Trust in the Lord ; but keep yOur 
powder dry/^ These same lads early learned 
to be self-dependent, and to tight their own 
battles. 

Steeped in this atmosphere, the names of 
many heroic early settlers have come down to 
us through the pages of history. We all de- 
light to read of their bold achievements, for 
they were men of whom the country must ever 
be proud. 

But those stirring times before the Eevolu- 
tion also gave birth to many a valiant soul 
whose daring and sacrifices have never been 
recorded on the scroll of Fame. Some of these 
heroes were mere striplings in point of years, 
yet capable, in times of great stress, of prov- 
ing themselves chips of the old block.” 



V 


VI 


PREFACE 


It is to record the intensely interesting ad- 
ventures of several of these young pioneers, 
whose axes helped to blaze the way of civiliza- 
tion in the then unknown region beyond the 
Alleghanies, that I have started to write this 
series of books. I sincerely trust that if you 
enjoy reading the present and first volume, 
you will welcome the story to follow, to be 
called: The Pioneer Boys on the Great 

Lakes; or. On the Trail of the Iroquois.’’ 


Cordially yours, 

Haerison Adams. 


May 20th, 1912. 





Preface 



V 

1 . 

After Fresh Venison . 



1 

11 . 

The Cabin in the Clearing . 



13 

III. 

Caught in the Snow - storm . 



25 

IV. 

The Wolf Pack .... 



36 

V. 

When Kate Came Home . 



47 

VI. 

The Die Is Cast .... 



59 

VII. 

Into the Unknown Land . 



68 

VIII. 

The Perils of the Wilderness 



77 

IX. 

Along the Buffalo Trail 



88 

X. 

Attacked by Indians . 



97 

XI. 

On the Bank of the Ohio 



106 

XII. 

Boone, the Captain of Pioneers 



118 

XIII. 

Blue Jacket 



129 

XIV. 

A New Home in the Wilderness 



141 

XV. 

The Sudden Peril 



152 

XVI. 

Chased by the Flames 



167 

XVII. 

A Strange Prison 



178 

XVIII. 

After the Forest Fire 



189 

XIX. 

Captured by the Shawanees . 



200 

XX. 

The Council Fire 



211 

XXI. 

Tit for Tat 



223 

XXII. 

The Escape . 



235 

XXIII. 

A Canoe Trip in the Starlight 



245 


vii 


CONTENTS 


viii 


CHAPTER PAGE 

XXIV. The Feathered Message .... 255 

XXV. Afloat on the Flood 266 

XXVI. The Sinking Craft 277 

XXVII. Bob 286 

XXVIII. A Rescue 295 

XXIX. Wonderful Tidings 306 

XXX. Conclusion 315 

Notes 327 




LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 


“ * Here we are at the spot I picked out for tour 

SETTLEMENTS^’ (see page 119) . . Frontispiece ^ 

“ Discovered a half circle of gleaming yellow 

EYES WATCHING HIM ” 35 

** Kicking furiously at a lean black bear, just 

BELOW HIM ” 49 

“ Slipping adroitly around the beech as fast as 

THE BUFFALO COULD CHASE AFTER HIM ” . . 89 

The fire was . . . coming on at headlong 

SPEED ” 170 ^ 

A PAIR OF MUSCULAR BRONZED ARMS SUDDENLY CLOSED 

ABOUT THE BOY ” 202 


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The 

Pioneer Boys of the Ohio 


CHAPTER I 

AFTER FRESH VENISON 

‘‘ Shall we give it up for to-day, Sandy? ’’ 
But the afternoon is only half spent, Bob, 
and we have had such poor luck hunting/^ 
‘‘Just so; but it might have been worse. 
Two hickory-fed squirrels and a plump ’pos- 
sum make a fair bag after such a hard winter. ’ ’ 
“Not so very much where there are five 
mouths to fill. Oh! Bob, if only we could get 
the deer that made these tracks! I’m tired of 
jerked venison.” (Note 1.) * 

Robert Armstrong, sixteen years of age, 
looked down upon the ground where the trail 
of the deer was well defined, and evidently he, 
too, felt some of the eagerness that possessed 
his more impulsive brother. 

* The notes will be found at the end of the book. 

1 


2 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


It was the days previous to the Revolution. 
Around the two youths stretched the great 
primeval Virginia wilderness, sparsely settled, 
and hedged in by the chain of Alleghany Moun- 
tains, beyond which only a few venturesome 
spirits had ever dared journey; and some of 
these bold pioneers had never come back to tell 
the tale of their discoveries and exploits. 

The two boys had started from their cabin 
home, just outside a small Virginia town, de- 
termined to secure fresh food for the family, 
at that time facing unusual privation. 

Alexander, or Sandy, as he was always 
called, the impetuous one, seldom looked any 
distance ahead, so that it was Robert who 
many times found himself compelled to pull 
his younger brother out of serious difficulties. 

Still, both lads, having been born and reared 
on the Virginia frontier, were really older 
through experience than their years would in- 
dicate. 

In those strenuous days, of pioneering, boys 
had to learn how to take care of themselves 
very soon after they began to walk. Their 
daily life brought them in touch with the perils 
of the wilderness. They were taught how to 
handle a gun at five years of age, and the 


AFTER FRESH VENISON 


3 


tracks made by all wild animals soon became as 
plain to them as the pages of a printed book 
to a scholar. 

Sandy, seeing his more cautious brother 
hesitate, renewed his pleading. 

“We need this deer very much, Bob,’^ he 
went on, eagerly. “ Since father lost his place 
with old Jason Diggett, things have gone hard 
with us at home. Mother tries to smile and 
cheer us up, but every door has been shut 
against poor fajher since that tobacco barn 
burned down, and he was accused of setting 
fire to it.’^ 

“ Yes,’^ said the other, a frown crossing his 
young face as though painful memories had 
been stirred up by his brother’s words, “ but 
they were not able to prove anything against 
father, and we know that he could never have 
done such a thing.” 

“ But the deer,” continued Sandy, persist- 
ently; “ why not try for it? Perhaps it may 
be feeding close by, in some glade where the 
trees have sheltered the grass, or where there 
are tender twigs to be nipped off. Say yes. 
Bob, and let us start right away. ’ ’ 

The older boy cast a quick look upward, and 
his gaze rested longest in the quarter where 


4 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


the forest wall was broken, allowing a view of 
the gray sky. 

‘‘ The air is raw, and I^m sure a storm is 
coming, late though the season is,’’ he re- 
marked, slowly. 

Well, what of that? ” declared Sandy, im- 
patiently. ‘‘ We are neither sugar nor salt, 
to be washed away by rain or snow. Just think 
how mother would smile if she saw us carrying 
home a nice fat buck, or even a doe? Bob, say 
yes! This chance is too good to be lost.” 

Apparently his argument carried the day. 
That last stroke swept the more cautious Rob- 
ert quite off his feet, for he loved his dear 
little mother above all things on earth, and the 
thought of pleasing her made him ignore his 
inner warnings. 

“ All right, then, Sandy; let’s call it a go. 
Just to be able to carry home a store of fresh 
meat we’ll take chances. And now to follow 
the tracks.” 

With that he bent his keen gaze upon the 
ground, and immediately started along the 
trail left by the deer, Sandy following close at 
his heels. 

Both lads carried the old-time flint-lock mus- 
kets, such as were in general use during those 


AFTER FRESH VENISON 


5 


early days. They served their purpose fairly 
well, especially when in the steady hands of 
those who knew life often depended on accu- 
racy of aim. Many woodrangers and trappers, 
however, had guns with longer barrels, which 
they called rifles, and capable of sending a 
patched bullet with unerring skill a great dis- 
tance. 

In and out among the trees the two boys 
moved along. Not a single word passed be- 
tween them until at least a mile had been cov- 
ered. Then Sandy could restrain his impa- 
tience no longer. It was always a difficult 
thing to keep him bottled up ’’ when speech 
was concerned, and his- brother Bob often de- 
clared he would make a good lawyer, or a 
parson, he liked to hear himself talk so much. 

Are we getting closer. Bob? Is the trail 
any fresher than before ? Oh ! I thought I saw 
something move just then! ’’ he whispered in 
the other’s ear. 

Where? ” demanded Bob, instantly, as he 
turned his head around, a look of concern on 
his face; for, while the Indians of Virginia 
gave little trouble to the settlers at that day,, 
they were not always to be trusted. 

Never mind,” returned Sandy, with a little 


6 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


chuckle; for I see now it was only a poor, 
scared rabbit bounding away. But how about 
the deer, brother? ’’ 

We must be near him,’’ said Bob, gravely; 

and I believe he will turn out to be a five- 
prong buck, to judge from the size of his hoofs. 
Silence, now, and we will go on. Remember to 
keep a close watch ahead, and, if you get a 
good sight, send your lead back of his foreleg 
sure. ’ ’ 

You can depend on me. Bob,” replied the 
younger lad; and it was not boastfulness that 
made him say this, for he had long since devel- 
oped into a remarkably clever marksman. 

In the fall, when the first snows drifted 
down through the valleys of Virginia, the set- 
tlers always held shooting matches, where the 
best shots of the country competed for prizes, 
usually some wild turkeys that had been trapped 
alive. And more than a few times Sandy had 
held his own with the celebrated sharpshoot- 
ers among the buckskin-clad hunters from the 
trails. No eye was quicker than his to glance 
along the shiny barrel of a musket; and when 
he pulled the trigger his lead usually found 
its mark, even though the target were but the 
ever moving head of a turkey, whose body was 


AFTER FRESH VENISON 


7 


hidden in the ground, fully an hundred yards 
distant from the marksman. 

Once more the two boys pushed on. Before 
five minutes passed Boh noticed something that 
gave him a little concern. He had caught sight 
of the first snowflake that came scurrying 
along on the wings of the rising wind. A lit- 
tle thing in itself, but which might mean a tre- 
mendous lot to these boys, miles away from 
home, and surrounded by a trackless forest. 
In another five minutes, just as he had feared, 
the snow was beginning to descend heavily, so 
that his task of following the trail of the deer 
promised to come to a speedy end, as the 
ground began to be covered with a white man- 
tle. 

There was only one thing that could be done 
now, if they meant to pursue the hunt any fur- 
ther. Bob of late had been noting the gen- 
eral direction taken by the deer; and they 
could keep pushing on, each pair of eyes on 
the alert for signs of the expected quarry. 

Now it became necessary to bring to the fore 
all the knowledge of woodcraft the boys pos- 
sessed. They must judge at a glance just how 
a deer would proceed while pushing through 
the forest, avoiding such dense thickets as 


8 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


promised to entangle his antlers, and at tln^ 
same time seeking shelter from possible ene- 
mies. 

Suddenly Bob came to a stop, and whis- 
pered : 

Look ahead to where that pawpaw jungle 
ends! Something moved there; and blest if 
I don ’t think it must he our game ! ’ ’ 

Even as he finished speaking, out of the 
screening hedge leaped a gallant buck, his head 
thrown back, and every muscle in his frame 
answering to his fear of human kind. 

It was a pretty sight, and one calculated to 
make . the blood bound more quickly through 
the veins of a hunter; but neither of the boys 
delayed even one second in order to admire the 
scene. Their one thought was of the possibil- 
ity of their eagerly anticipated supply of meat 
making off on its own rapidly flying hoofs. 

Sandy was a bit the quicker in firing, for, 
being nervous by nature, he knew how to aim 
more by instinct than by going through a set 
habit. Still, the two discharges seemed to roll 
into one ; and, with their hearts in their 
mouths, the young marksmen looked to ascer- 
tain what the result of the shots might be. 

Huzza! he is down!’’ almost shrieked 


AFTER FRESH VENISON 


9 


Sandy, as the big buck made a tremendous 
bound into the air, and came crashing upon the 
snow-covered earth, where he tried in vain to 
regain his feet. 

Stop! Remember what old Reuben told 
you always to do! cautioned Bob, as he 
thrust himself in front of Sandy, already in the 
act of leaping forward. 

I forgot,” murmured the other, as with 
trembling hand he started to reload his gun, 
some of the powder from his horn slipping out 
of his shaking fingers as he attempted to pour 
it into the muzzle of the barrel. 

Then came a greased bullet in a patch of 
linen, being pushed down after the powder had 
been rammed good and hard. To prime the 
flint-lock gun was no great difficulty, though 
constant vigilance was needed in order to make 
sure that the priming, so essential to a dis- 
charge, be not shaken from the pan by acci- 
dent. 

Now let us go up,” said Sandy, after both 
had reloaded. 

He’s kicking his last,” remarked his 
brother, quietly, and there is no fear of our 
losing him. I wonder now if I missed. You 
were, as usual, ahead of me in firing, Sandy. 


10 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


And I saw him quiver even before I pulled 
trigger, so I know you hit him. ’ ’ 

When they bent over the now motionless 
quarry it was found that there were two bullet- 
holes in the deer. (Note 2.) 

Yours is the one behind the shoulder, 
Sandy, and that killed him instantly. He could 
have run a mile or more with the wound 
through the body that I gave him. But never 
mind, we have had great luck, and mother 
will be pleased when we carry this meat 
home. ’ ’ 

Bob lost no time in bleeding the game. They 
were so far away from the cabin that it would 
be impossible to ‘‘ tote the deer there intact; 
so it was quickly determined to cut up the 
venison and select the choice portions. 

Both boys carried hunting knives, and they 
set to work without delay. As they labored 
they became so interested in what they were 
doing that neither seemed to pay any partic- 
ular attention to the remarkable change that 
had come over the weather, until after a while 
Sandy started to complain that it was get- 
ting so dark he could hardly see how to 
work. 

Then an exclamation from his brother caused 


AFTER FRESH VENISON 


11 


him to raise his head. What he saw was any- 
thing but reassuring. The snow was coming 
down between the trees in blinding sheets, 
driven before a cold wind, that seemed to be 
growing stronger with every passing minute. 

No getting back to the cabin for us to- 
night, Sandy, declared the older one, with a 
shake of his head. This promises to be as 
bad a storm as weVe had all winter, and even 
at the shortest you know we^d have a five-hour 
tramp back home. So we must make the 
best of a bad bargain and camp here in the 
woods.’’ 

Well,” remarked Sandy, whom no danger 
ever daunted, anyhow, we’ve got plenty to 
eat, and can keep warm, unless both of us for- 
got to bring flint and steel along, which I know 
is not so, for here are mine in my pouch, and 
some dry tinder as well.” 

By the time they had finished the task of 
cutting up the deer, and secured all the choice 
portions in the skin, the forest was swathed in 
a mantle of white ; and, on the wind that 
screeched so noisily while hurrying past, came 
new armies of scurrying snowflakes that beat 
against the faces of the lads until they fairly 
stung with the pain. 


12 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Evidently the young pioneers were in for 
an experience besides which all previous en- 
counters with snow-storms would pale into 
utter insignificance. 


CHAPTER II 


THE CABIN IN THE CLEAEING 

David Aemstkong, the father of the two 
young hunters, was descended from a fine old 
Scotch family. At the death of his father he 
inherited a considerable estate, hut the loss of 
his parent made the thought of remaining in 
the old home too painful to him, and he decided 
to leave Scotland and seek a new home. He 
consequently sold everything he possessed and, 
with his young wife and little children, sailed 
for the new country beyond the sea, and settled 
at Richmond, where he engaged in the tobacco 
business. 

For some years he prospered, but trouble 
finally overtook him. A relative, whom he had 
taken into partnership, betrayed his confidence, 
with the result that one day David awoke to 
find that he had the experience, while this 
cousin possessed the money that had been in- 
vested. 

Even in those primitive days there were 
courts where those who believed they had been 
13 


14 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


wronged could seek redress, and David would 
have failed to do credit to his Scotch ancestry 
had he not been a fighter. He believed he had 
a good case against this relative who had 
swindled him, and he tried to press the mat- 
ter. 

But, somewhat discouraged by the constant 
delays, he made up his mind at last to leave 
for a point further west, and begin life anew 
under more humble conditions. 

He had come westward from the region 
around Richmond, and settled near a small 
town, where he secured employment at the to- 
bacco warehouse of a certain Jason Diggett, 
the richest man in that region. He did his 
work faithfully as the days and months went 
by, seldom complaining, so long as he had his 
dearly beloved wife, and his three children to 
comfort him ; yet never ceasing to hope that he 
would hear good news from Richmond, and 
receive his own again from the clever relative 
who had tricked him. 

He was anxious to do all he could for his 
three children, Kate, Robert and Alexander; 
and sent them regularly to the little school- 
house, where they learned the rudiments of 
reading and figuring, which among many per- 


THE CABIN IN THE CLEARING 


15 


sons in those days were considered all the edu- 
cation required to carry one through life. 

The family spent some very happy years in 
the little cabin that stood in a clearing. The 
boys knew nearly every one in the town; and 
as they grew older began to show themselves 
capable of assisting in the task of supporting 
the family. Often they brought in game from 
the forest, and in the season their traps yielded 
them quite a little harvest in the pelts of otter, 
muskrat, mink, fox, badger and wildcat. 

Suddenly, like a bolt out of the blue sky, 
trouble swooped down upon the Armstrongs. 
David had some difficulty with his employer, 
and was discharged, since he was too proud 
to seek a reconciliation, when he fully believed 
himself to be in the right. 

Then, one night, the tobacco barn of Jason 
Diggett burned to the ground, entailing quite 
a loss. Suspicion alighted on David, simply 
because it was known that between the two men 
ill feelings existed. 

So David was arrested, and held in the town 
blockhouse for a whole week; but, there being 
no actual proof against him, he was allowed to 
go free. That had been more than a month 
before, and, ever since, most of the people who 


16 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


had once called themselves his friends had 
turned their heads aside when by chance they 
met. The odor of guilt clung to his skirts, for, 
even though the law had declared it had no 
evidence upon which to base conviction, peo- 
ple believed he must be guilty, since some one 
had surely set tire to the barn, and who besides 
David had any grudge against Jason Dig- 
gett? 

Armstrong fretted greatly over the injustice 
of such action, and it took all the tact of his 
wife, Mary, to keep him from doing some rash 
act. 

If this keeps up much longer, wife,” he 
would say, after a fresh exhibition of coldness 
and aloofness on the part of those who had 
once called him friend, we must leave here 
for good, and go further into the wilderness. 
It is useless for me to look further for work, 
since no one wishes to employ a barn-burner! ” 

His loving wife would labor to cheer him 
up as only a loyal woman could. Possessed of 
a sunny disposition, trusting by ^nature, and 
above all imbued with a strong sense of God’s 
goodness, Mary Armstrong refused to lose 
heart. 

It will surely come out all right, husband,” 


THE CABIN IN THE CLEARING 


17 


she would say, as her loving hands smoothed 
the frown away from his forehead; we must 
have patience, and do our part. To-morrow, 
perhaps the day after; but in His good time 
it will all be well. ’ ’ 

And, although David had vowed he would 
not again seek work in that bitter community, 
when another day arrived, her sweet influence 
over him was so great that once more he would 
stalk forth, moodily, but with his spirit still 
uncrushed. 

It was a momentous time in the history of 
the colonies. ESor many months there had been 
heard mutterings of the storm that was later 
to break at Lexington and Bunker Hill. Al- 
ready people were taking sides, even in the 
more distant settlements, and were either pa- 
triots or loyalists, according to the way they 
looked at things. 

But David Armstrong gave little thought to 
such matters, for his own troubles were so 
exceedingly weighty that he could think of 
little else. 

There was much talk of daring pioneers 
journeying still further into that wonderful 
country beyond the great mountains ; and 
again and again did he brood over the possi- 


18 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


bilities that might await the forerunners of 
civilization there. 

Those who had made the trip, and returned, 
gave such glowing descriptions of the amazing 
fertility of the black soil, and the astounding 
number of game animals to be had for the mere 
shooting, that it was small wonder the har- 
assed borderer’s mind turned westward many 
times, and he was only waiting for some cli- 
max to arrive ere packing up and moving 
toward the land of the setting sun. 

On the very morning that the two boys 
started out on their memorable hunt for fresh 
venison, David had taken new courage, and 
once more ventured to look for work. 

The very last time, wife, mark you,” he 
had solemnly declared as he kissed her good- 
bye, and she knew that finally he had indeed 
reached the parting of the ways; for, if his 
quest was now in vain, he would never ask a 
favor of these town people again. , 

During the month when David had been idle, 
and the one that followed his release from the 
blockhouse strong-room, it can be understood 
that things were at low ebb in the home of the 
Armstrongs. 

At no time had they been able to accumulate 


• THE CABIN IN THE CLEARING 


19 


any amount ahead of their constant needs; so 
that very soon they hardly knew where to turn 
for money with which to purchase the few 
necessities of life. 

Robert and Sandy sold what few skins they 
had collected ; then they busied themselves 
hunting, and trying to trap more animals ; but 
the winter had been unusually severe, and trap- 
pers reported a scarcity of pelts. 

Recently even little Kate, just fourteen, had 
hired out to a neighboring family, as the 
daughters of the pioneers often did, with- 
out losing any of their self-respect, or stand- 
ing. 

Mrs. Armstrong worked at her various tasks 
as the day advanced. Noon came and went, 
and the sky clouded up with evil portents of 
snow, for the air was raw and had all the omi- 
nous attributes which these woods-dwellers 
knew presaged a storm. 

Frequently she would step outside the hum- 
ble log cabin to look around, and see whether 
either the boys or her husband could be com- 
ing. Then her troubled eyes would scan the 
bleak heavens, and note that already the first 
flakes of snow, forerunners of the mighty 
storm to come, were drifting along on the 


20 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


rising wind that was moaning through the sen- 
tinel oak at the back of the cabin. 

She wished the boys were safe at home, 
though she was so confident of their ability to 
tak^care of themselves, no matter under what 
difficulties, that she did not as yet once allow 
herself to fear actual danger to them. 

They had all their lives been accustomed to 
roaming the woods, and knew how to grapple 
with such emergencies as hunters may expect 
to meet. 

The afternoon had begun to decline, and the 
snow was coming down heavily, when David 
arrived home. Little need for his wife to look 
twice to understand what his dejected manner 
indicated. 

IDs no use, wife,” he said, moodily, a 
frown on his strong face; everything’s work- 
ing against me here, and I doubt if I have a 
single real friend in all the community. The 
poison has done its work, and there is no em- 
ployment here for a man suspected of being a 
barn-burner. I’ve been turned away by a man 
I believed would take my word as quick as my 
bond. And I tell you I’m done. Never again 
will I demean myself asking favors on my 
knees, just because my family may be in need.” 


THE CABIN IN THE CLEARING 


21 


And wise Mary Armstrong, realizing that 
the strong man had indeed gone to the limit 
of his strength, knew that there must come 
a change. It were folly to continue to beat 
one^s head against the wall. Better find some 
way of less resistance, and allow the current 
to carry them on. 

We have each other, David, she said, 
sturdily, as became a pioneer wife and 
mother; ‘‘ and as long as health remains we 
must not complain. See, I give in entirely to 
you. Let us leave here at the very first chance, 
and in a new country try to secure content- 
ment, even though we may not find happiness 
as long as this cloud hangs over your head. 
Cheer up! With three fine children, and a 
husband whom I respect and love, I am con- 
tent. The darkest cloud has a silver lining. 
Wait, and hope! ’’ 

Then you consent that we shall emigrate 
to the land beyond the mountains, to the banks 
of that beautiful stream they call the Ohio, of 
which we have heard so much? ” 

It had been a vague dream with David for 
some time, and the prospect of being able to 
carry it into actual execution in the near fu- 
ture began to arouse him; so that he threw 


22 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


off his moody spirits, and showed rising ani- 
mation. 

Yes, anything that yon think wise,’’ Mary 
went on calmly, though her heart was sore, I 
am ready to undertake. But, of course, we 
could not think of starting until some caravan 
arrives here in the spring, headed that way. 
You were telling of one that was expected.” 

Yes,” said David, eagerly, “ the last time 
Pat O’Mara, the trapper, was here, he was 
speaking of that famous hunter, Daniel Boone, 
and how he had organized an expedition in 
Carolina that was to pass up along this way 
in the spring, headed for the mountain passes 
and the bank of the great Ohio. We must be 
ready to throw our poor fortunes in with them 
when they reach here. I only hope and pray 
that new friends may be more merciful than 
old ones.” 

I wish the boys were safe at home, for it 
promises to be a hard storm, from the looks of 
things,” said the fond mother, anxiously. 

David’s eyes sparkled with a look of pride 
in his offspring. 

Pear nothing for those two lads. To Rob- 
ert the secrets of the woods are as an open 
book; and I would trust them to even go over 


THE CABIN IN THE CLEARING 


23 


the great mountain trail alone. They have 
their guns, and will know how to protect them- 
selves from the storm. In due time we shall 
see them again, Heaven willing.’^ 

It was his turn now to comfort, a new role 
for David Armstrong ; but he knew, better than 
did his wife, how those half-grown boys had 
become familiar with the perils of the wilder- 
ness, and understood how to meet them almost 
as well as the oldest and most experienced 
forest ranger. 

The day gradually came to a close, and when 
evening had drawn near, so that the kettle was 
singing over the flames, and supper cooking,. 
Mary Armstrong went often to the door to 
peer out into the howling storm, as if still 
hoping that her brave boys would show up, 
like white ghosts, to join them at the humble 
and scanty repast. 

But presently the time came when she and 
her husband had to sit down to the board alone, 
for no cheery hail came out of the gloomy 
night; but even then the mother would not let 
David see how worried she felt. She insisted 
upon talking about the Promised Land beyond 
the mountain chain, and asked him scores of 
questions concerning it, so that he could not 


24 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


dream how her mother heart felt cold with 
new-born fears, and how her ears were ever 
attnned to the wild music of the raging storm, 
in which, somewhere, far away, she realized 
her two boys must be caught. 

Later grew the hour. David had brought in 
a goodly supply of firewood, for so long as they 
could wield an axe there was always a bounti- 
ful amount of this at their very door, to be had 
for the cutting. Then they prepared to retire 
for the night, the settler in a better humor than 
he had been exhibiting for weeks; for at last 
he began to see a way out of the terrible diffi- 
culty that had so long been confronting them. 

And while he slept, and dreamed of that 
wonderful land of plenty along the border of 
the Ohio Eiver, Mary lay awake, her gentle 
heart filled with unspoken prayers concerning 
the safety of their hoys. 


CHAPTEE III 


CAUGHT IN THE SNOW - STOEM 

What makes it so dark, Bob? ’’ asked the 
younger brother, as they finished tying up the 
best part of the venison in the skin which had 
been removed from the deer. 

Night is coming on ahead of time, and I 
reckon it will be one wefil not forget in a hurry, 
either,’’ replied the other, calmly; for Eobert 
seldom gave way to excitement, leaving that 
to Sandy. 

Then the sooner we find some place for a 
camp the better,” remarked the latter. The 
wind keeps growing colder all the while, and 
it bites like a knife when it drives the hail 
against your face. Do you know, I think I 
heard a wolf howl a little while ago? ” 

That would hardly be surprising,” was 
Bob’s reply as he shouldered the meat wrapped 
up in the deerskin, leaving to his brother the 
two muskets and the small game. It was 
only a few days ago that Amiel Teene had an 

25 


26 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


adventure with the pests not ten miles ' away 
from his cabin. 

Yes, and he said he had never seen them 
so savage,’^ declared Sandy, glancing around 
at the snowy forest, as if in imagination he 
could already see a host of gaunt gray forms 
leaping toward them. 

The winter has been unusually long and 
hard, and, as we happen to know, Sandy, game 
has been scarce. Perhaps it was so up in the 
mountains, and the animals have been pushed 
to venture nearer the settlements than at most 
times. This storm will make them even 
worse. 

Then, if we should meet a pack to-night, 
the scent of this fresh meat would make them 
crazy to get at us,^’ said Sandy, reflectively, 
as he fell in alongside his brother. 

Yes, I can easily believe it,’’ grunted the 
larger youth, who had quite a load on his back, 
and could atford just then to expend little of 
his wind in conversation. 

‘‘ And perhaps we might have to take to a 
tree, just as I did two years ago, waiting for 
dawn to drive the critters away; eh. Bob? ” 

Not on such a night as this, brother,” re- 
marked the one addressed. You forget that * 


CAUGHT IN THE SNOW-STORM 


27 


it was not bitter cold weather when you met 
with your little experience. To-night, if we 
climbed into a tree, we might freeze to death 
before morning.’^ 

Then what can we do? I am sure I heard 
a far-otf howl again just then; and perhaps 
those sharp-nosed rascals have already scented 
a dinner,’^ and Sandy pushed a little closer to 
his companion, deeply stirred. 

It was no imaginary peril that hung over 
their heads. A single wolf might play the part 
of a coward, and shrink from mankind; but 
when gathered in a pack the beasts became an 
object of dread to every settler on the border. 
More than one man, in the history of Virginia, 
had been dragged down by starving wolves; 
and of all times of the year the end of a hard 
winter was the worst. 

I had thought of that, Sandy,” the elder 
brother went on; and remembered that, just 
before we sighted the deer, I had seen a place 
that offered us a refuge. It is toward that 
point I am now trying to lead the way. Keep 
your eyes open for a fallen tree. I think we 
must be near the spot right now.” 

And there it is,” announced Sandy, joy- 
fully, as he pointed ahead. 


28 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


They were in fact right upon it, though the 
sifting, driving snow had, up to that moment, 
hidden from their eager eyes all signs of the 
wished-for goal. 

And when 8{andy saw what a fortress was 
afforded them by the hole in the ground, where 
the roots of the tree had once grown, he was 
ready to throw up his cap and shout with sat- 
isfaction. 

At some time in the remote past a great wind 
storm had evidently uprooted this forest mon- 
arch; but, in falling, it had not quite lain flat, 
so that, twenty feet from the roots, one might 
even walk underneath the trunk. 

A great cavity had been torn in the earth, 
and, as it happened that the upturned roots 
and the trunk were toward the storm, the bar- 
rier would afford a fine shelter against its 
biting force. 

There, in the opening left by the uprooting 
of the great tree, they could make themselves 
fairly comfortable. Sandy even saw possibil- 
ities for fortifying themselves within the hole, 
so that they might defy an attack on the part 
of the fiercest pack of wolves that ever roamed 
through those woods. 

The boys immediately set to work with a 


CAUGHT IN THE SNOW-STORM 


29 


vim. They had travelled many miles during 
the progress of the hunt, and it might reason- 
ably be expected that both would be tired; but 
one would never dream of such a thing, judg- 
ing from the vigor with which they hewed fire- 
wood, and proceeded to arrange their novel 
camp. 

Accustomed to roughing it from early child- 
hood, Bob and his brother asked but little in 
order to find a reasonable degree of comfort. 
Given a fire and a warm bite to eat, they envied 
not a king his crown. And, if the bite were 
lacking, why, the fire was not to be sneezed 
at. In those early days boys knew nothing of 
luxuries. 

While Sandy labored with the heavy camp 
hatchet, the elder brother began to get the fire 
underway, for long practice had made him an 
expert with flint and steel. Some small sticks 
were heaped up in a loose manner, and a bit 
of dry tinder shoved under it; then, with sev- 
eral deft strokes of the steel, sparks were sent 
into its inflammable heart, and a tiny blaze 
sprang up, which was fostered until it had 
seized upon the larger wood. 

Things began to look much more comfortable 
to the young pioneers after that fire shed its 


30 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ruddy glow upon their camp. And when Bob 
had sliced several fair portions of the fresh 
venison, and had thrust them near the fire on 
the ends of long splinters of wood, the odor 
that presently began to arise made Sandy sniff 
the air, and try to restrain his voracious appe- 
tite. 

They had nothing to drink with the meal. 
Tea was worth too much at that time for boys 
to carry any of the precious .stuff off on their 
tramps; and as for coffee, it was an almost 
unknown beverage with the colonists. 

After all, as the famous Daniel Boone was 
often heard to declare, it was astonishing what 
few actual necessities primitive man must have 
in order to keep him in fighting trim. And 
Boone patterned his life after the redmen of 
that country beyond the mountain chain, of 
whom he probably knew more than any living 
border man of the day. 

‘‘ This is fine,^’ observed Sandy, a little later. 

They were sitting close to the fire and de- 
vouring their roast venison with infinite gusto. 
No doubt the pampered boy of to-day might 
hardly have relished the rude fare; but these 
pioneer lads were made of different stuff, and 
thankful for exceedingly small things. 


CAUGHT IN THE SNOW-STORM 


31 


Yes,’^ replied Bob quietly; but we must 
get to work quickly, and add to the pile of fire- 
wood, as well as barricade the open side of the 
hole/^ 

Did you hear it, tool demanded his 
brother, instantly. 

^^Yes, and more than one wolf answered the 
long howl. They are sending signals across 
the forest. I think we will have visitors before 
the night is over. ’ ^ 

Sandy hurried through the remainder of his 
primitive supper, almost bolting the last few 
morsels. Then he once more started to make 
good use of the sharp hatchet. While he 
worked after this fashion his brother began to 
search for objects with which to fill up the gap 
to leeward as much as possible. 

Good! ’’ Sandy presently heard him ex- 
claim from the midst of the blinding snow close 
by. Here lie several old logs. This way, 
and give me a hand. They will make a grand 
fort. ’ ^ 

It required considerable effort to drag the 
half-rotted logs into position; but where there 
is a will there is nearly always a way, and in 
the end the object of their desires was accom- 
plished. 


32 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Could hardly be much better, I take it,’’ 
was Sandy’s enthusiastic comment, as he stood 
back and surveyed the result of their labors. 

No, and I wager it would be a pretty rash 
wolf that would dare try to leap that barrier,” 
remarked his brother, now taking a turn with 
the hatchet, as the size of the pile of fuel did 
not altogether please him, with a long night 
ahead and that bitter wind rushing through the 
woods. 

Finally both were too wearied to attempt 
anything more, so they sat down alongside the 
cheery blaze, to rest ere trying to sleep. One 
might think it rather a hazardous thing to lose 
themselves in slumber without any covering; 
but they knew many of the tricks of the pio- 
neers of the day, and that, if they kept their 
feet warm, all would be well. Besides, both 
boys had been warmly clad when starting forth 
on their search for game, for they had an in- 
dustrious mother, whose spinning-wheel sel- 
dom knew a day’s rest. (Note 3.) 

It was decided that a watch must be kept, 
since they were surrounded by so many perils. 
If the fire went out they might have a foot or 
hand frozen, and the absence of the blaze must 
encourage the forest howlers to make an at- 


CAUGHT IN THE SNOW - STpRM 33 


tack, eager to secure a share of that fresh 
venison. 

Bob had placed the meat, again wrapped up 
in the skin, as far back as possible under the 
matted roots of the fallen monarch of the for- 
est. Both boys were grimly determined that 
they would fight desperately to retain posses- 
sion of their prize, since that store of food 
meant much to the dear ones back at the hum- 
ble cabin home. 

What are you thinking about. Bob? ’’ 
asked Sandy, as he watched the play of the 
fire across his brother’s resolute face, and 
noted the expression, almost wistful, that came 
upon it at times. 

It was about father,” he replied, speaking 
the word tenderly, for David Armstrong had 
ever been a kind and affectionate parent, and 
was fairly worshipped by his little flock. 

Yes, I knew that was it,” said Sandy, 
quickly. ‘ ^ Oh ! I do hope he has been success- 
ful in finding work to-day, for he declared it 
would be the last time he would try. What 
do you suppose we can do if he fails. Bob? ” 
if There is only one thing,” came the reply, 
with compressed lips; we must leave here, 
and go further west. I know father is think- 


34 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ing seriously about it. The last time that jolly 
trapper, Pat O’Mara, was here, father ques- 
tioned him often about the stories he had heard 
Colonel Boone tell of that wonderful country 
beyond the mountains, and the beautiful Ohio 
River. 

I think I should like that,’’ observed the 
impetuous Sandy, always eager to see new 
sights, and filled with the enthusiasm of a 
light-hearted boy. If half they say about 
that country be true, it must be glorious. And 
the hunting and trapping we could do. Bob! 
Yes, I hope father decides to join fortunes 
with the first company of people passing 
through here. ’ ’ 

Bob said no more. He knew that the little 
mother would be sorry to break many ties; 
but also that she would utter no word to dis- 
suade her husband, when the time came. And 
perhaps the more thoughtful Bob could also 
foresee better than Sandy what new perils 
might await the daring pilgrims who ventured 
into the hunting-grounds of the warlike Sha- 
wanee Indians. 

Presently he made Sandy lie down to snatch 
an hour’s sleep, when he promised to awaken 
him so that he in turn might watch. This rule 



DISCOVERED A HALF CIRCLE OF GLEAMING YELLOW EYES 


WATCHING HIM. 



0 



CAUGHT IN THE SNOW-STORM 


35 


was carried out, and each of them had man- 
aged to secure quite a little sleep by the time 
the night was two-thirds passed. 

It was Sandy’s turn on guard. The fire was 
burning briskly, the storm seemed to be slack- 
ening up somewhat, and everything looked so 
promising that the boy grew a trifie careless. 
He allowed himself to doze beside the fire, his 
musket between his knees. This was, after all, 
hardly to be wondered at, as any one knows 
who, being desperately in need of sleep, tries 
to withstand the soothing heat of a warm blaze. 

Perhaps Sandy may have been dreaming of 
boyish troubles with some of the young fellows 
of the town, once their warm friends, but just 
now commencing to ape their parents in turn- 
ing the cold shoulder toward the Armstrong 
family. 

Be that as it may, Sandy awoke with a start. 
He found the fire had gone down so that bnly^ 
now and then a tongue of flame shot upward 
from the log that had been burning so fiercely . 
the last thing he remembered. [ 

And, as some grinding sound caught his ear, 
he glanced up and discovered a half ^circle of 
gleaming yellow eyes watching him from over 
the top of the barricade ! 


CHAPTER IV 


THE WOLF PACK 

^^Bob! Wake up! The wolves! 

The shout rang out above the noise of the 
still whining wind. Aroused from a sound 
sleep by the startling cry, Bob struggled to a 
sitting position. Fortunately, he was a boy not 
easily rattled. The sight of those gleaming 
eyes told him what had happened, and it was 
perhaps more through instinct than anything 
else that he immediately pushed his musket 
forward and let fly at the nearest pair. 

Sandy was not far behind, and the double 
report made a crash that seemed to produce 
a temporary panic among the gaunt callers. 
They hastily withdrew, though with many 
snarls and long-drawn howls. 

Both boys were now on their feet, ready to 
swing their guns by the barrels if necessary, 
and use them as a further means of defence. 
Seeing that their enemies had beaten a tem- 
porary retreat. Bob sprang to the fire, and, 
36 


THE WOLF PACK 


37 


kicking the partly burned log with his foot, 
stirred the flame into new life. 

Throw on some small wood, Sandy! ’’ he 
called, as he bent over the barricade to ascer- 
tain whether their lead had been wasted, or 
found its mark. 

Did we get anything? demanded the 
younger boy, understanding the object of Kob- 
ert^s survey, and being possessed of the fron- 
tier hunter’s instinct, which looked upon the 
loss of a charge of powder and shot as next 
door to a sin. 

One is lying here, and from the snarling 
over yonder I take it they are tearing the 
wounded fellow to pieces,” replied the older 
boy, as he proceeded to reload his musket. 

Well, I want that skin the worst way,” 
ventured Sandy; and if we leave the beggar 
outside the fort they will spoil it. So keep a 
watch while I climb over and drag the wolf 
inside. ’ ’ 

Be careful,” warned Bob, who knew his 
brother’s rash inclinations only too well. He 
stood ready, with both guns within reach, so 
that, if at any time Sandy seemed to be in 
peril, he could pour in ' a hot fire that must 
frighten the four-footed enemy away again. 


38 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


But Sandy, himself, knew better than to take 
too much risk. No sooner had he seized hold 
of the dead animal than he started to move 
backward toward the logs that had been piled 
up to form a rampart. 

Hurry! cried the voice of the one on 
guard. They are coming with a rush, and 
from three quarters! Leave the hide to them, 
and save yourself, brother! 

But Sandy was an obstinate lad. He had 
made up his mind to possess the skin of the 
dead wolf, and did not want to relinquish it 
to the tender mercies of the pack. 

Having dragged it close to the logs, he ex- 
erted himself to the utmost to give the weighty 
animal a toss that would accomplish his pur- 
pose. Nevertheless, but for the prompt assist- 
ance of Bob, who clutched the beast and 
dragged it over, Sandy must have failed in 
his endeavor. 

Quick! Climb up! They are here! he 
heard shrilled in his ear. 

In his hurry his foot slipped and he fell back- 
ward to the ground. Just above him there 
burst out a flash, and a heavy report instantly 
followed. Sandy knew what it meant, and 
that his faithful brother was firing at the 


THE WOLF PACK 


39 


advancing pack in order to stop their 
rush. 

He struggled to his feet, and commenced 
once more to clamber up the rude fortification, 
at the same time shouting at the top of his 
voice. This was done with a purpose, for he 
understood full well that, like most cowardly 
animals, wolves greatly fear the voice of man. 

Bob, too, was exerting himself to the utmost. 
Again came that tremendous crash, as the sec- 
ond musket was discharged close to Sandy’s ear. 

Then an eager hand laid hold of him, and 
he felt himself dragged over the topmost log! 

Both boys were panting for breath, but, 
thrusting one gun into Sandy’s hands. Bob 
started to hastily reload the other. They could 
hear their enemies not ten feet away, snarling 
and snapping terribly. It needed no explana- 
tion to tell Sandy what was going on out there 
in the snow; for he knew that wolves are can- 
nibals if pressed with hunger. 

It was a pretty close shave. Bob! ” he 
exclaimed, after he had rammed a bullet home 
in his gun, and fixed the priming in the pan. 

And a foolhardy act,” returned the other, 
gravely. If you had missed your footing a 
second time you would have been pulled down 


40 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


in spite of all I could do, and that would have 
been the end of us. ’ ’ 

Sandy felt abashed. He knew perfectly well 
that he had been guilty of a reckless feat that 
might have cost both of them their lives; for 
without doubt Bob would have leaped over the 
barrier to his assistance, and shared his sad 
fate. 

Perhaps thoughts of the dear ones at home, 
who would have mourned them so grievously, 
may have caused the boy to resolve upon a 
wiser course the next time he found himself 
tempted to take hazardous chances. 

They stood on guard, and waited to see what 
their enemies would do when they had finished 
their meal. 

‘‘ I hope they will go away, and leave us 
alone,” said Sandy, uneasily. 

That would be almost too good to be true,” 
remarked Bob, who knew more about the hab- 
its of animals than his brother. “ Instead, I 
fear that the taste of food they have had will 
only make them more savage.” 

Look! they are beginning to creep closer 
again! ” exclaimed Sandy, a minute later, with 
a feeling of renewed uneasiness. 

‘‘ Then we bad better begin to shoot again, 


THE WOLF PACK 


41 


and make every bullet count. Let me start the 
ball rolling, boy,’^ said Bob, as he picked out 
a dark form advancing slowly over the white 
snow. 

Resting his musket across the upper log, he 
took a careful aim and fired. With the report 
a series of howls burst forth, and many forms 
were seen dashing this way and that. Some 
fled, only to come back again when they scented 
a new feast, and in another minute the wolf 
that had fallen before the gun of the young 
pioneer was atfording his mates an additional 
scrap of dinner. 

Now, wait until I have reloaded, and then 
you do as well,’’ remarked the calm Boh, who 
had learned many valuable lessons from older 
hunters; and he knew how dangerous it would 
be for them to be caught with empty guns, 
should their foes attempt to rush the shelter 
in a body. 

Sandy, nothing loth, picked out his victim, 
and when his brother gave the word he pressed 
the trigger with more or less delight. 

That is one the less, I reckon,” he re- 
marked, as he quickly dropped the butt of the 
musket on the frozen ground, and commenced 
to handle his powder horn, to measure out suf- 


42 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ficient of the precious black grains for another 
charge. 

But I fear that for every beast we drop 
two new ones come out of the woods,’’ said 
Bob, believing that they should understand the 
worst, and not deceive themselves with false 
hopes. 

Sandy was for keeping up the fusillade, but 
his wiser brother had already recognized the 
folly of wasting their scanty ammunition so 
hastily. 

How many more bullets have you in your 
pouch? ” he asked, quietly. 

Just three,” replied the other, his enthusi- 
asm checked. 

And I have only four,” Bob went on; so 
you see at the most we can only account for 
seven of the beasts. After that it would be 
hand to hand. We must hold off as long as we 
can, reserving our ammunition for a desperate 
extremity. ” 

How long will it be before dawn comes? ” 
asked Sandjq anxiously. 

Of watches or clocks the pioneers had none; 
but most boys knew how to tell time from the 
stars, or from mere instinct; just as one ac- 
customed to arousing at a certain hour realizes 


THE WOLF PACK 


43 


that the time has come, although all may be 
darkness about him. 

Bob scanned the dull heavens through the 
branches of the trees. And as it happened 
there came a little break in the clouds just 
then, through which he caught a glimpse of the 
moon. 

I think that it will only be an hour now 
before daylight comes,” he said with a sense 
of satisfaction in his voice; ‘^and, besides, the 
storm is at an end, for there the moon shows 
through the clouds.” 

But the wolves are creeping closer all the 
time,” declared Sandy, as he looked over the 
barrier. Just see, there must be an awful 
heap of the critters. Bob. Do you think they 
will try to climb over here ? ’ ’ 

It may be,” replied the other, but so 
long as we can wield our guns they shall not 
get a footing inside our fort. Shoot only as 
a last resort. And if the very worst comes — ^ ’ 
Yes, what then. Bob? ” 

<< Try to climb up to the topmost root above. 
Perhaps we might manage to hold out until 
daylight frightens them away. But here they 
come, Sandy! ” 

In another minute the two boys were striking 


44 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


at the heads of such daring animals as ven- 
tured to show above the top of the low rampart. 
The heavy muskets were fair weapons of of- 
fence for such work; though more than once 
Bob warned his impulsive brother to be care- 
ful, lest he strike a log and break his gun, which 
would be a serious catastrophe, indeed. 

Their quarters were so confined that it was 
only with considerable difficulty they managed 
to strike fairly. But many a venturesome wolf 
was knocked back when those rising and falling 
muskets came in contact with his hairy head, 
and, amidst the savage howls that arose with- 
out the barricade, snarls of pain might have 
been distinguished. 

At times the work slackened somewhat, al- 
lowing the panting boys a chance to catch their 
breath, but only to go at it again with renewed 
energy. 

How the long minutes dragged by, with all 
this tremendous excitement stirring their blood 
to fever heat I Sandy cast many a despairing 
look up at the moon, now plainly seen in the 
clearing heavens, as though he fancied that it 
must be remaining stationary, and the night 
becoming interminable. 

Would morning never come*? Must they 


THE WOLF PACK 


45 


carry on this bitter struggle only to be over- 
whelmed by superior numbers in the end ? 

Three times now one of them bad found it 
necessary to fire, when things seemed to have 
reached a state approaching desperation. 

'' Courage! ’’ shouted Bob, as he brought his 
gunstock down on the head of a hungry wolf. 

Look to the east, boy! The dawn has come 
at last! ’’ 

It was even so, and, thrilled with renewed 
hope, Sandy was enabled to keep up the good 
fight until by degrees the wolves began to sneak 
away, until finally the last of the savage horde 
had gone. 

Would they ever forget that stirring night? 
Sandy believed nothing could exceed the ex- 
citement through which they had just passed; 
but, perhaps, if they migrated to that mysteri- 
ous country beyond the great chain of moun- 
tains, there amid new scenes he might find an 
opportunity to change his mind. 

Over the fire they. cooked another meal of 
the fine venison which they had saved from the 
half-starved wolves. 

‘ ‘ And now to head for home ! ^ ’ cried Sandy, 
as he took up the pack to show that he wished 
to do his share of the burden-carrying. 


46 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Forgotten were the aches of the night in the 
thought of once more rejoining those so dear 
to them about the family hearth, where the fire 
blazed in the wide-throated chimney, and the 
brass kettle bubbled on the hob. 

They had been tramping for half an hour, 
steadily onward, when Bob called a halt, declar- 
ing that it was high time Sandy turned the 
bundle of meat over to him. 

This the other was really not at all loth to 
do, for he had been staggering of late through 
the deep snow, as his burden began to tell on 
him. Still, not for worlds would the proud boy 
have confessed that he was actually tired. 

Bob fashioned the hitch a little better, so 
that it would rest easier across his shoulder. 
He had just leaned forward, intending to give 
the bundle a sudden hoist, when he stopped in 
the act. 

From some point not a great way off there 
came the sudden report of, not a musket with 
its heav}^ boom, but a hunter’s clear-toned rifle. 

And accompanying the sound they caught a 
loud voice raised in an excited shout, as though 
some one was striving against difficulties that 
threatened to overcome him. 


CHAPTER V 


WHEN KATE CAME HOME 

Some one is in trouble, Bob! ’’ cried the 
younger Armstrong boy, as these sounds came 
floating to their ears. 

Yes, and a white man, too,’’ said Bob, as 
he tossed the bundle of venison up into the 
crotch of a big oak tree close at hand. ‘‘We 
must see if we can help him.” 

Sandy was nothing loth. He knew full well 
that the unwritten law of the woods compelled 
every man to extend assistance when he met 
with one in need, and from the nature of the 
racket they could imagine that something quite 
out of the ordinary must be taking place. 

The two lads set otf on a run, eager to reach 
the spot as quickly as possible. True, they 
were rather short of ammunition just then, but 
so long as a single load remained to their guns 
they were ready to use it in behalf of any one 
in distress. 

“ Listen, brother,” said Sandy, when they 
47 


48 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


had covered some little distance; ‘‘ surely we 
have heard that voice before. ’ ’ 

Yes,” returned Bob, with a little laugh, 
‘‘it is our old friend, Pat O’Mara, without a 
doubt; but what can he have stumbled into 
now! Pat is always looking for a ‘ ruction,’ 
as he calls it, and generally finding what he 
wants.” 

“ Perhaps the wolves, after leaving us, may 
have treed him,” suggested Sandy, with some- 
thing like a broad grin appearing on his freck- 
led face. 

But the other shook his head in the negative. 
He seldom jumped at conclusions as did Sandy, 
and usually weighed his words before speak- 
ing. 

“ Hardly that, boy,” he observed; “ we 
would have heard their howls before this. And 
besides, we have good reason to know that 
wolves are arrant cowards in the daytime.” 

“ Well, let us run on again, for evidently 
Pat is in need of help. This may pay him back 
for dragging me out of that quicksand last 
summer, when I thought my last hour had ar- 
rived,” and Sandy once more started on a trot 
in the direction of the spot whence the shouts 


arose. 



.#AK"I.£SLIV/NC5' 


KICKING FURIOUSLY AT A LEAN BK\CK BEAR, JUST BE- 


LOW HIM 




WHEN KATE CAME HOME 


49 


Soon another sound mingled with the cries 
of the Irish trapper. 

It must be a bear! said Sandy over his 
shoulder, as he ram 

Bob was of the same opinion, for the fero- 
cious growls that came down the breeze could 
surely have been produced by no other among 
the woods creatures. 

Then they burst through a thicket, and sud- 
denly came in sight of a spectacle so remark- 
able that both boys stood still to gape and 
grin. 

A rather stout man was sitting up in the 
wreck of an old tree, kicking furiously at a lean 
black bear, just below him, that was striking 
with his claws in the endeavor to fasten upon 
the legging of the other ^s foot. 

While he thus kicked, the man in fringed 
buckskin was constantly talking, often giving 
vent to a shout of joy when his foot chanced 
to land against the head of his hairy enemy. 

On the ground lay a rifle; but the bear did 
not seem to be seriously wounded in any way, 
which fact puzzled the boys not a little, because 
Pat 0 ’Mara had the reputation of being a mar- 
vellous shot, and they remembered having 
heard the report of the gun a short time back. 


50 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


When he saw the new arrivals, the trapper 
let out a cheer that told of solid satisfaction. 
And indeed, to tell the truth, his situation was 
anything but pleasant, and the end uncertain, 
with that wicked old bear determined to get 
him by fair means or foul. 

Haroo! shouted the trapper, waving his 
coonskin cap vigorously above his red head; 

sure yees are the byes to hilp me out av 
throuble, so ye be ! Alriddy he scents me 
frinds, and is backin^ down out av the three. 
Just take up alongside the fut av the same, 
and put a flea in his ear before he can turn to 
do yees any harrm. Haroo ! Make a clane job 
av the same, remimber. An^ wan at a time, 
av ye plaze ! ’ ' 

You take him first, Sandy, said Bob, with 
his usual thoughtfulness, always willing that 
his brother should carry otf the honors when 
there was a choice. 

He stood alongside, and held his musket in 
readiness, so that in case the first leaden mis- 
sile failed to finish old Bruin he might join in 
the atfair. 

The bear, while still angry, was evidently 
considerably concerned over the coming of re- 
inforcements. 


WHEN KATE CAME HOME 


51 


Sandy knew how to do the part of the busi- 
ness that had been entrusted to him. 

'' Stiddy, lad, stiddy! ’’ warned the trapper, 
already following the bear down the tree. 

Make a sure job av it now; and don’t spile 
the pelt ! ’ ’ 

Bang! went the heavy charge which was in 
Sandy’s flint-lock musket. The bear immedi- 
ately fell in a heap on the ground. Bob stood 
there, ready to add the finishing touch if abso- 
lutely necessary; but among hunters it is al- 
ways understood that there shall be no inter- 
ference at such times unless positively needed; 
and the game had been placed in Sandy’s 
hands. 

And in this case there was no need, for the 
bear, after making a desperate attempt to 
struggle to his feet, dropped, and lay still; 
whereupon Sandy and the good-natured Irish 
trapper united in a cheer that made the woods 
ring again and again. ^ 

Afther all, it is Sandy’s pelt, and it’s glad 
I am he had the good sinse to sind his bullet 
back av the forelig instid av liftin’ the haste’s 
hid,” declared the man who had been rescued 
from the tree. 

But how comes it that we found you in 


52 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


such a queer scrape, Pat? ’’ asked Bob, with 
a twinkle in his eye; for he knew very well 
something must have gone amiss, or the usu- 
ally clever woodsman would not have found 
himself in so sore a strait. 

“ Arrah! it’s ashamed I am to till yees, me 
byes; but sure thot was a time Patsy found 
himself up the wrong tree, ’ ’ admitted the other, 
who was so good-natured that he could even 
laugh at a joke on himself. 

And not much of a tree at that, I should 
say,” remarked Sandy dryly, as he surveyed 
the stump which had been the scene of the trap- 
per ’s adventure. Seems to me, Pat, that if 
I wanted to climb a tree, and tight it out with 
a bear, I would pick a bigger one than this 
rotten old thing.” 

Oh! ye wud, eh? Phat if the bear was so 
dost till yer heels that ye had to shin up any- 
thing at all? ” objected Pat, with a comical 
grin. 

Well, in that case no one could blame 
you,” returned Bob. Tell us how it came 
you failed to kill the beast when you fired.” 

Sure, and ye are mistaken. Bob; niver a 
shot did I take at the ould beggar,” said the 
other, positively. 


WHEN KATE CAME HOME 


53 


The boys looked at each other. 

But surely we heard a shot,” observed 
Sandy. 

Yis, but thot was the bear shootin’, I give 
ye my word,” the man in buckskin avowed. 

Do you mean to tell us that the bear fired 
your gun at you? ” questioned Sandy, who 
knew the joking propensity of the jolly Irish 
trapper. 

Whirra! now, who said he fired at me? 
Afther chasing me up here the ugly ould baste 
took a notion to scratch at me gun down on the 
ground; and as by bad luck the hammer was 
back, bedad if he didn’t manage somehow to 
pull the trigger. Sure, if ye look here, yees 
can see the hole the bullet made in the butt av 
the tree! ” 

At this frank declaration on the part of the 
trapper Sandy was unable to keep a straight 
face any longer, but broke out into a roar. 
Nor was Pat long in joining him, seeming to 
think it a fine joke. 

But afther all it was the bear that hild the 
small ind av the sthick, ’ ’ the hero of the adven- 
ture remarked as, with knife in hand, he 
started to remove the heavy skin of the victim. 
Sandy tramped back to secure the venison 


54 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


from the crotch in the oak, while Bob aided the 
trapper. 

Pat was a roving blade. He loved the wide 
expanse of wilderness, and had made several 
long trips into the west, though as yet never 
as far as Colonel Boone and his party had 
gone. He had always been a good friend of 
the Armstrongs, and was particularly fond of 
the two brothers. 

After about an hour’s delay the boys, accom- 
panied by O’Mara, made a start for the cabin 
in the clearing, each one well loaded with pack- 
ages of meat. The bear had not been in very 
good condition, having hibernated all winter, 
and lived upon his fat; but still the experi- 
enced trapper knew just what portions to carry 
along, such as would afford good stews to the 
hungry Armstrongs. 

It was just noon when they came in sight of 
the cabin. Of course it was the anxious mother 
who sighted the boys first, as she stood within 
the open doorway, shading her eyes with her 
hand so as to shut out the glare of the sun on 
the snow. 

Soon the newcomers were sitting in front of 
the big blaze in the yawning fireplace, where 
a pot bubbled and gave out appetizing odors. 


WHEN KATE CAME HOME 


55 


telling the story of their adventures; while 
David, the look of concern gone for the time 
being from his face, undid the packages of sup- 
plies that had been secured. 

Indeed it was a happy little party that sat 
around the plain deal table. What mattered 
it that the chairs were home-made, that Sandy 
even had to utilize a three-legged stool; that 
instead of boards the cabin had only a hard 
earthen floor; wliile there was an utter ab- 
sence of anything beyond the absolute necessi- 
ties of existence, as lived in those primitive 
times? (Note 4.) 

Love dwelt there, and smoothed all the rough 
edges. Looking into the proud and apparently 
happy face of the little mother the two boys 
were pleased to think fortune had been so very 
kind, and allowed them to bring home such a 
goodly supply of meat; for the larder was 
almost bare. 

Pat was always the life of any party. When 
he chose to exert himself things went on with 
a whirl, and there was much merriment. If 
Mr. Armstrong meant to ask his advice about 
the plans he was forming connected with their 
emigration to the new country beyond the hori- 
zon in the west, he held his peace just then, not 


56 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


wishing to arouse the boys as yet ; for he knew 
Sandy’s impetuous ways, and how the facts 
must soon become public property once he 
learned them. 

The thing that worried David Armstrong 
most was his uncertainty as to where he could 
secure money enough to fit out for the long 
journey. They really needed at least two 
horses, upon which the bedding and extra 
clothing, as well as cooking utensils, could be 
loaded ; for no one would think of carrying any- 
thing else over such an unknown road, hun- 
dreds of miles into the untrodden wilderness, 
where most of the travelling must be done over 
the winding buffalo trails. 

However, he had a plan, thanks to a sugges- 
tion on the part of his thoughtful wife, and 
with the assistance of Pat O’Mara he fan- 
cied he could secure what he wished so ear- 
nestly, a loan from a man he had once be- 
friended, and who was now well-to-do. 

They had just finished their meal when 
Sandy discovered something through the little 
window near which he happened to be sit- 
ting. 

Why, would you believe it, mother, here 
comes sister Kate ! ” he exclaimed. 


WHEN KATE CAME HOME 


57 


All of them made a start to leave the table; 
and then, influenced perhaps by some hidden 
fear, they turned to exchange glances. Could 
anything have happened that the girl was com- 
ing home at this unusual hour; for the cabin 
where she had been employed was half a mile 
away? 

The door opened to admit a pretty little girl 
with flaxen curls, just now sadly awry ; and the 
eye of Mrs. Armstrong saw instantly that Kate 
had certainly been indulging in a good cry, 
something she was seldom guilty of doing, be- 
ing possessed of a sunny disposition very like 
her mother’s, though perhaps she had also a 
dash of her father’s peppery nature. 

At sight of the family Kate was unable to 
restrain her feelings any longer, for again the 
tears began to flow down her rosy cheeks. 

Why, Kate, my child, what has happened? 
Why are you here, when your duty is at the 
Hodgkins? ” asked Mrs. Armstrong, hasten- 
ing to throw a reassuring arm around the 
shoulders of the slight figure that was shaking 
with emotion. 

The girl looked up, the tears shining in her 
blue eyes. There was also a flash of temper 
to be seen there, and evidently Kate had been 


58 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


recently aroused to a point where she could 
stand things no longer. 

I am done with the Hodgkins/^ she cried, 
stamping her little foot on the clay floor; I 
will never go back there again! I hate them, 
every one! Oh! it was so mean, so cowardly 
to say that ! ’ ’ 

Mrs. Armstrong turned pale, and her hus- 
band said something under his breath, as they 
exchanged uneasy glances. 

Tell us, what did they dare say to you! ’’ 
demanded Sandy, gritting his teeth. 

‘‘ They mocked me, and said my father was 
a barn-burner ! ^ ’ sobbed the girl, bitterly. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE DIE IS CAST 

Say it again, child! ’’ roared the head of 
the little family, as he jumped to his feet, his 
strong features working. 

David, be careful; let me mother the girl 
a bit, until she gets over her cry! said Mrs. 
Armstrong; and as usual her soothing voice 
gained the mastery over the temper of the 
impulsive man. 

Bob and Sandy exchanged looks. Already 
smarting under the injustice of many who had 
called themselves friends in times past, this 
new indignity aroused all the Scotch combat- 
iveness in their natures. 

Instinctively they clenched their fists, and 
drew together, as though by mutual sympathy. 
The same thought had flashed into each mind 
— that something must be done to check this 
rising tide before it utterly overwhelmed the 
Armstrong family. 

The mother saw that look^ and in her heart 
59 


60 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


understood. Proud she might be of the love 
that influenced her boys ; still there was some- 
thing higher than loyalty by which she must 
be governed, and this was duty. 

She managed to draw the whole sad story 
from the girl, amid several little tear-storms. 
Then she soothed and quieted Kate, who in 
the shelter of that motherly breast found com- 
fort and presently dried her tears. 

The Irish trapper was a witness of this little 
excitement. He frowned, too, for his nature 
was impulsive, and he keenly sympathized with 
his friends. But at the same time more than 
once a ghost of a smile would chase across his 
jovial face. Evidently Pat O’Mara was think- 
ing of the plans which he had been forming, 
and by means of which he hoped to influence 
the Armstrongs to leave this hateful commu- 
nity, where their worth was not appreciated. 

A short time later Bob gave Sandy a sly dig 
in the ribs, and made a quick motion with his 
head. Apparently the younger brother under- 
stood what was meant, for soon afterwards, 
when he thought he was unobserved, he slipped 
out of the cabin. 

Just as he expected, he found Bob awaiting 
him under the trees where bubbled up the 


THE DIE IS CAST 


61 


spring which, winter and summer, supplied 
them with the clearest of water. 

And Bob was evidently in a mighty serious 
frame of mind, even for him. His face looked 
gloomy and forbidding, while he continually 
gnawed his upper lip, after a fashion he had 
when deeply aroused. 

Sandy recognized the signs. He had seen 
them on several occasions before. Once a set- 
tlement bully — for they had them in those 
early days just the same as now — was en- 
gaged in the, to him, delightful task of abusing 
a lad much smaller than himself, when the 
Armstrongs came upon the scene. The bully 
had a crony at hand, just as big as himself, 
and snapped his fingers at Bob when the other 
asked him to desist. Then it was that Sandy 
had seen his brother’s face assume the same 
expression that it carried now. 

Unable to stand the sight of such cowardly 
practices. Bob had attacked the fellow, and, 
spurred on by the righteousness of his cause, 
succeeded in giving him the beating he so 
richly deserved, while Sandy and the abused 
boy took care of the bully’s friend. 

There were other cases of a similar charac- 
ter, too, and Sandy would never forget a single 


62 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 

one of them. To him his brother Bob was the 
embodiment of all that was noble in a boy. 

There is no other way, Sandy, said the 
older one, shaking his head, as though he had 
a disagreeable duty to perform, which could 
not be evaded. 

‘‘You are right,’’ declared Sandy, hotly. 
“ I know, and you know, who is to blame for 
those children saying such things. Did not we 
hear their father, Abner Hodgkins, say almost 
the same thing just three days ago, when we 
passed him at the door of the alehouse ? ’ ’ 

“ Yes,” said Bob, between his teeth, “ and 
how red he turned when he knew that we must 
have heard him. And he is the man our father 
once helped when he was sorely distressed! 
This insult can only be wiped out in one way. ’ ’ 

“ In only one way, brother,” breathed 
Sandy. 

“ And since mother has brought father to 
her way of thinking, it falls on us to give Abner 
Hodgkins his lesson,” went on Bob, his eyes 
taking on a steely glitter at thought of the 
many ill turns that had of late been showered 
on their heads. 

“ But we must not let mother know,” ven- 
tured the younger brother. 


THE DIE IS CAST 


63 


‘‘ Surely not. Mother would never consent. 
In her eyes only the last necessity excuses 
fighting. After it is all over she will forgive 
us/’ said Bob, his voice unconsciously becom- 
ing very tender. 

Perhaps they will have some care how 
they let their wicked tongues wag after they 
hear what has happened to one tattler,” went 
on Sandy. 

Then you are with me? ” asked the elder 
brother, eagerly. 

The sooner the better! ” cried Sandy, im- 
pulsive as usual; let us go now, and strike 
while the iron is hot ! ’ ’ 

Agreed. For Kate said he had arrived 
home just as she left, for he called out after 
her to know where she was going. I am ready, 
Sandy! ” 

The fact that the man under discussion was 
one of the most muscular in all that border 
community did not seem to worry the two boys 
at all, for they were fairly burning with a de- 
sire to avenge the constant insults cast upon 
their loved ones. 

Grasping the arm of Sandy, Bob turned 
around to hurry away ere any one could see 
them, and, guessing their mission, bring it to 


64 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


a halt. Then he caught his breath, and his pale 
face took on the color of confusion. For he 
found himself confronted by his mother, the 
very last person in all the world whom he 
would have wished to see under such condi- 
tions. 

While listening to Kate’s pitiful story she 
had observed the signal that passed between 
them. Understanding her boys, she knew what 
thoughts must be passing through their heated 
brains. And when they slipped away, unob- 
served as they believed, that fond heart had 
lost no time in following. 

I hope, my sons,” she said sweetly, as she 
placed a hand on an arm of each, that you 
are not thinking of doing aught that would only 
add to our troubles. Heaven knows that we 
have enough to bear now. Two wrongs, you 
know, never yet made a right. We must bear 
our cross, knowing that in good season this 
bitter cloud will pass away. Promise me that 
you will neither of you seek Abner Hodgkins, 
nor have one word to say to him should you 
meet! ” 

The two confused boys looked at each other 
rather whimsically. They knew they could re- 
fuse their mother nothing. And perhaps, too, 


THE DIE IS CAST 


65 


at that moment they realized the utter folly 
of the course they had mapped out. 

So they promised, and, with an arm about 
the waist of each, she accompanied them back 
to the cabin. 

The balance of that day passed slowly. 
Every one was uneasy save possibly Pat 
O^Mara, whose jolly disposition could never be 
cast down. And that evening, after supper, as 
they gathered around the blazing fire, he ex- 
erted himself as never before to sway the 
minds of these good friends. 

The boys sat there on the bench that stood 
against the wall, and listened with wide-open 
ears when by degrees the trapper came around 
to the entrancing subject of that magical coun- 
try whose beauties he seemed never to tire of 
telling. David Armstrong and his wife hark- 
ened also, but said little, leaving it to Bob and 
his brother to ask questions. 

It was a cozy picture. The flames darted up 
the wide-throated chimney and took the place 
of the customary candle in lighting the room, 
glancing from the walls, where the chinks be- 
tween the roughly hewn logs had been filled 
with hardened clay, and then whitewashed. 

Herbs hung from the rafters overhead. High 


66 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


up alongside the chimney several packages of 
the dried venison Sandy disliked so much had 
their places. The shiny brass kettle, an heir- 
loom in the family, stood upon the hob near 
the flames, and occasionally sang a low 
accompaniment to the trapper ’s enticing 
tales. 

Would the new country offer them as com- 
fortable a home as this? After all, so long 
as the mother were spared, it must ever be her 
deft hand that made home what it was; and 
no matter whether here in Virginia, or far off 
on the banks of the storied Ohio, it would be 
the same. 

But how about the Indians, Pat? ” asked 
Sandy finally. You have told us little of the 
red men. Are they disposed to be friendly; 
or would we have to fight whenever we ran 
across them? ’’ 

That is the only darrk spot to the picture, 
me byes,’’ returned the trapper, with a sigh. 

Sorry am I to say the same, but the rid 
divels are all for makin’ throiible. But ’tis 
numbers that may hould thim in check. Troth, 
if enough whites iver r’ach the shore of that 
enchantin’ river, they kin bid the Injuns defi- 
ance. In union there is strength, ye know,. 


THE DIE IS CAST 


67 


Sandy, bye. ’Tis thim same rid divils that 
gives me pain in me hearrt.’’ 

To the boys, however, this was not so serious 
a drawback. In common with most yonng fel- 
lows of the day they had a contempt for the 
valor of the native sons of the forest. It was 
not so with the gentle mother; and her eyes 
involuntarily sought those of her husband, 
while she shivered at the thought of the lone- 
liness that must encompass pilgrims who emi- 
grated beyond the mountain chain, losing them- 
selves in the untracked wilderness. 

But David was himself rapidly coming 
around. It is human nature not to compare 
the ills we know not of with those visible ones 
by which we find ourselves confronted on every 
hand. 

And when Mary saw the way in which his 
face was set, she knew, just as well as if he 
had spoken, that the die was cast. They would 
go into the wilderness, and hew out a new home 
somewhere. The sturdy spirit of the early pio- 
neers had been fully awakened, and the call of 
the west could no longer be ignored. Destiny 
was pushing them on. 


CHAPTER VII 


INTO THE UNKNOWN LAND 

Dueing the following two days peace reigned 
around the humble home of the Armstrongs; 
but this was partly because no one went into 
the town again save the father, who came home 
on the second afternoon leading two horses, at 
sight of which the boys could hardly repress 
their shouts of satisfaction. 

This told them that the die was indeed cast, 
for little need they would have of horses, save 
as beasts of burden in case of migration. 
Wagons could not be used, so O’Mara had 
declared, because much of the long journey 
must be accomplished along those winding buf- 
falo trails that traversed the forest, for of 
roads there were absolutely none. 

It was at this time there arose a necessity 
for some supplies, and the brothers were told 
to go into town to obtain the same. Appar- 
ently David had succeeded in securing the 
funds he so badly needed, showing that one 
staunch friend must have stood by him. 

68 


INTO THE UNKNOWN LAND 


69 


The mother looked wistfully after her boys 
when they hurried away, filled with new en- 
thusiasm because of the nearness of the time 
when they would depart from the scene of all 
their woes. 

I do hope they will restrain themselves, 
and not get into any trouble,” she said to her 
husband, who was busily engaged with the 
horses, a new feature in their experience, and 
one that gave them much concern. 

David smiled back, for it seemed to be his 
turn to comfort. 

Have no fear of the lads, wife,” he said 
heartily. ‘‘ They are good boys, and true, of 
whom we can well be proud. Sandy is o’er 
impulsive, it is true ; but Robert possesses the 
balance. We have need to be thankful to Prov- 
idence that we possess two such sons when 
about to start upon such a hazardous journey 
as this.” 

An hour or so later Pat O’Mara saw the 
brothers returning. They carried several 
packages, which constituted their purchases 
of necessities, simple though these were. But 
the sharp eyes of the trapper saw something 
more which they were carrying. Several 
scratches marked their faces, and Sandy’s left 


70 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


optic seemed to be in a degree of mourning, 
all of which told the astute Irish trapper that 
there must have been a fracas of some sort. 
He knew well those signs; and it was with 
difficulty he managed to conceal the grin that 
forced itself upon his genial face. 

Of course there could be no concealing these 
evident marks of battle. Nor did the boys at- 
tempt to do so. 

You have been in trouble, son,^^ said the 
mother, as she took the package from Sandy, 
and looked upon the cuts and scratches on his 
cheek. 

It was Bob of course who showed signs of 
contrition; Sandy, on the other hand, threw 
his head back, as though proud of his scars. 
To him every one stood for an honor mark. 

I could not help it, mother dear,’^ he said. 

They taunted me, three of them, and began 
to strike me. Then Bob came, and it was bet- 
ter, though still uneven. But we were furious, 
and would not give in; would we. Bob? ’’ 

Who could have been so cowardly and 
cruel? asked Mary, as she hurried to get 
warm water in a basin, so that the wounds 
might be properly bathed, and some home- 
made liniment put upon them. 


INTO THE UNKNOWN LAND 


71 


Who but that same bully, Armand Wha- 
len,’’ Sandy went on, eagerly. Once before. 
Bob whipped him until he cried for mercy, and 
he has never forgiven us. But never mind, 
mother ; we gave the cowards all they deserved. 
They look much worse than we do; and be- 
sides, they ran away in the end. These little 
cuts are nothing to us. Surely we have had 
others many times worse.” 

‘ ‘ Indeed, I am sorry to have displeased you, 
mother,” said Bob; but they were all pick- 
ing on Sandy, and my blood fairly boiled. Had 
there been twice as many it could have made 
no difference. At any rate, they will often 
think of us when we are gone, which is a sat- 
isfaction.” 

At which naive remark the mother found 
herself compelled to smile. She could not be 
provoked with the boys. And besides, she 
knew very well what affronts they had con- 
tinually suffered. 

Again she found her eyes drawn irresistibly 
towards those of her husband. Upon his face 
was a set look, as though his mind had been 
made up now beyond recall. 

It is the last straw,” he said, bitterly; 

and the end cannot come any too soon now 


72 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


to please me. I shall be glad when we have 
wiped the dirt of this place from our shoes. 
Boys, yon did what any manly lad would find 
himself compelled to do. I am not blaming 
you one bit. But after this you must remain 
at home. ’ ’ 

But father, there is news,’’ said Bob, as 
he suddenly remembered. 

‘‘ They are coming here then, those brave 
souls from Carolina, who head toward the set- 
ting sun? ” asked David, showing the eager- 
ness that possessed his soul. 

Yes,” returned the boy; ‘‘ a messenger 
has arrived in town from the head man in 
charge of the expedition, warning all who mean 
to accompany them that they will arrive in 
three days, and only stop twenty-four hours. 
This is the last settlement. When they leave 
here, it will be to enter the wilderness.” 

Glory be! ” exclaimed the trapper, upon 
hearing this. Then we will soon be on our 
way, with all our throubles behind.” 

The good wife sighed. She did not antici- 
pate such glorious things as beckoned the oth- 
ers on. Perhaps she had forebodings in her 
gentle heart that the new perils all pioneers 
must face might prove even more formidable 


INTO THE UNKNOWN LAND 


73 


than those they were leaving behind; and that 
perchance one of her loved ones might find an 
early grave in that new land, a victim to the 
treachery of the red men. 

But not for worlds would she utter one dis- 
couraging word. There seemed no other 
course open to them; and the women of that 
day were every one of them heroines, capable 
of enduring untold suffering in the search of a 
place they could call home. 

Two days afterwards, as promised, the emi- 
grants made their appearance. David had 
gone out to meet them on one of the horses. 

“ Fetch them here to camp beside our 
spring,’^ his wife had told him; for we may 
be the only family meaning to join our for- 
tunes with theirs.’’ 

And sure enough, they camped near the 
cabin in the clearing, a round three dozen in 
all, including some five more or less sturdy boys 
with whom Bob and Sandy fraternized at once. 

Then began a period of bustle, as the last 
preparations were undertaken by the Arm- 
strongs. Some of their things they gave in 
charge of the one faithful neighbor who had 
remained true to them through good and evil 
report. Perhaps at some day an opportunity 


74 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


might arise whereby these precious, if bulky, 
heirlooms in the way of furniture could be 
brought out to their new home. Just now such 
a thing was not to be considered for a mo- 
ment. 

And then the last morning broke. 

The brothers were brimming over with ex- 
citement, nor did they feel any particular pain 
over quitting the place they had for so long 
called home. It had ceased to have attraction 
for them since this shadow had fallen; and 
they believed they would be happy to leave it 
forever. 

David Armstrong, too, managed to conceal 
what feeling he may have had. But with the 
little mother it was different. That humble 
log cabin meant much to her, for inside those 
stout walls she had spent several fairly happy 
years; but she put these sad thoughts away 
with a resolute hand whenever David was 
near. They would do to dream over when ut- 
terly alone, perhaps in the dark watches of 
the night, in a new country, and amid stran- 
gers. 

All was bustle and confusion. A few of the 
town people had come out to see the start of 
the expedition, and many were the remarks 


INTO THE UNKNOWN LAND 


75 


that were made concerning the possibilities 
that awaited tl>e daring travellers. 

In this hour of parting some of the neigh- 
bors, possibly overcome by contrition, tried to 
make amends for their recent cruel conduct, 
but David ignored all signs of friendly hand- 
shakes, and would have none of them. The 
iron had eaten too deeply into his soul. 

The pack train of horses looked quite for- 
midable when lined up for the start. 

Twelve of them in all! Sandy sang out, 
as he stood ready to urge his animal on when 
the leader gave the order to start. 

A hardy gathering of valiant souls the emi- 
grants looked just then. Fortune beckoned to 
them, and all seemed delightful. If they could 
only have looked ahead a few months, and seen 
the terrible dangers that lay in wait, doubtless 
many a smile would have faded from the faces 
that now looked so cheerful. 

Hurrah! shouted the boys, when finally 
the word passed along the line, and those in 
the lead began to move. 

But there were no cheers. Those grave- 
faced men realized only too well that in thus 
putting their fortunes to the touch, by ventur- 
ing into that unknown world of which so much 


76 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


had been told, they were carrying not only 
their own lives, but also those dear to them, 
in the hollow of their hands. 

The caravan moved away amid the sound of 
many voices, as the boys urged their pack 
steeds along. Never once did Sandy glance 
back toward the home he was leaving; he 
seemed given up entirely to the witchery of 
the adventure. 

But one pair of eyes turned for a last wist- 
ful look at the familiar log cabin, with the 
grand old oak hovering above its humble roof, 
that had sheltered her little brood so faithfully 
these years. And then a turn in the trail shut 
out the view. Mary Armstrong heaved a sigh, 
and then resolutely strove to think only of 
what might be in store for them in the new 
world to which they were journeying. 


CHAPTEE VIII 


THE PERILS OP THE WILDERNESS 

Did you see that, Bob? ” 

Sandy clutched his brother by the arm as he 
whispered these words, and both of them sank 
back lower behind the fringe of bushes. 

Some weeks had gone by since they had left 
the old home. By slow degrees the mountains 
had been surmounted, and they were now near- 
ing the region of the Ohio, on the banks of 
which the settlers hoped to find homes. 

There were eleven men in the party, with 
seven women, and a round dozen children of 
varying ages. 

Day by day the party of settlers had plodded 
onward, with their faces ever toward the west. 
Often they saw the prowling panther near the 
camp; and it was a common thing to have a 
deer or a buffalo spring up in advance of the 
caravan, to go bounding or lumbering away, 
startled by this first glimpse of white men. 

As there was no road it had been utterly 
impossible to make use of such clumsy vehicles 
77 


78 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


as the early settlers knew. Upon the backs of 
the horses was piled all their possessions ; and 
besides, frequently the women and children had 
to be added to the loads. 

The settlers considered themselves fortunate 
in having with them a man who had gone over 
this trail before. Pat O’Mara kept at the head 
of the column throughout each long day. 

Many times they had to make detours in 
order to overcome obstacles in the way that 
could not be directly overcome. Sometimes 
these took the form of deep ravines, the banks 
of which were too steep to allow the horses 
to obtain a foothold ; then again they might be 
windfalls, where the grand forest trees had 
been razed, along a track half a mile broad, by 
some fierce tornado. 

When night drew near 0 ’Mara selected some 
favorable place for a camp which offered op- 
portunities for defence. For they never al- 
lowed themselves to fall into a state of secur- 
ity that might induce fatal carelessness. 

Some days the settlers made fair progress 
under favoring conditions; then again they 
would strike a section of country where every 
mile had to be won, with patient effort, foot 
by foot. And they were always vigilant, be- 


THE PERILS OF THE WILDERNESS 79 


lieving in that motto of the Puritans : ‘ ‘ Trust 
in the Lord; but keep your powder dry! 

Each night, as the cheerful fires crackled, 
and the women gathered around to prepare the 
evening meal, the tired men would bring in 
wood for use while the darkness lasted; and 
then throw together some sort of defence. 

While as yet these preparations had been 
apparently needless, still the cautious O’Mara 
warned them that they were now nearing the 
hunting grounds of the warlike Shawanees; 
and that any day some party might discover 
the caravan, and carry the news of their com- 
ing to the nearest Indian village. 

As yet they had really seen little of the red 
men. Twice hunters, who were out securing 
fresh food for the party, had reported catch- 
ing glimpses of dusky figures darting in and 
out among the trees ; but no attack had as yet 
been made upon any members of the little ex- 
pedition. 

Bob and his brother were in the habit of 
going out on alternate days, and looking for 
game. As this was plentiful they had little 
trouble in securing a deer whenever the larder 
got low. 

One day they had tramped ahead of the 


80 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


party, following the old bulfalo trail which the 
horses would take as they came along and which 
led westward. In this way, if they secured 
game, it would not be necessary to carry it far 
in order to join the others. 

As yet they had seen nothing worth shooting, 
when Sandy made the remark with which this 
chapter begins. 

His brother stared in his face, and there 
was a serious look in his eyes, as he made 
answer. 

Yes, I saw it; and I^m afraid it was an 
Indian, brother. ^ ’ 

With feathers in his scalp-lock, which 
means war! ’’ continued Sandy, who was al- 
ways questioning Pat O^Mara, and hence had 
picked up considerable knowledge concerning 
the red men and their habits. 

Again did the two boys exchange uneasy 
looks. 

Ho you suppose he is alone? whispered 
Sandy, presently. 

‘‘ Let us try to see. Raise your head, inch 
by inch, until you can look over the tops of 
these bushes; but be careful, continued the 
other. 

Back to back they started to do this, intend- 


THE PERILS OF THE WILDERNESS 81 


ing to cover the entire surrounding woods with 
a close scrutiny. 

Suddenly there was an odd twanging sound 
heard. Bob knew instinctively that it was the 
recoil of a bow-string, and he dragged his 
brother down instantly. 

Then came a heavy thud close by their ears. 
Looking around, the brothers saw a feathered 
shaft quivering, with its flint head buried in 
the trunk of a tree. 

It was the first time in all their lives that 
either of them had been under fire. The mere 
thought that some human being was endeavor- 
ing to do them deadly injury caused a mo- 
mentary thrill. But, in those early days, boys 
were made of sterling material; and, after 
that involuntary shudder, they faced the dan- 
ger resolutely, with a spirit that would have 
well become their father. 

We must get out of here,^’ whispered Bob, 
as he prepared to crawl along in the shelter 
of the bushes. 

But which way? ’’ demanded Sandy, con- 
fused; for how were they to know just where 
the unseen enemy might be hidden? 

That arrow came from yonder; therefore 
we must turn the other way,’’ was the convin- 


82 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


cing argument Bob advanced, and his brother 
immediately saw the logic of it. 

Bob led the retreat, with Sandy trailing close 
at his heels. Each lad clutched his gun in a 
nervous grip, and strained his ears to catch 
the slightest suspicious sound near by. 

So they crept on, for ten minutes, without 
anything happening, and by degrees Sandy felt 
his courage return. Perhaps, after all, there 
had only been a single savage; and, again, he 
may have been as frightened as they were, 
making otf immediately after discharging that 
lone arrow! 

Their hearts still beating faster than was 
their wont, the boys came to the termination 
of the line of dense bushes. If they expected 
to go on from this point they must of necessity 
change their tactics entirely, and expose them- 
selves to the gaze of any lurker. 

Let’s run for it! ” suggested Sandy, at a 
loss for any other plan. 

No, I have another idea,” returned his 
resourceful brother. 

Then let us have it, quick. Bob! ” whis- 
pered the other, to whom inaction was always 
more or less irksome. 

You start off as though meaning to escape. 


THE PERILS OF THE WILDERNESS 83 


dodging this way and that. He will perhaps 
believe that I was cut down by that hissing 
arrow. Then, if he shows himself, I can get 
him, perhaps,’’ Bob ventured. 

Sandy fell in with the idea at once, although 
he realized the danger. 

‘‘ Give the word, then. Bob, and let me go. 
Anything is better than this suspense,” he 
said, immediately, starting to get on his feet. 

If you hear me shout, drop flat,” the elder 
brother said, impressively. That will mean 
he is trying to shoot at you. And if you hear 
the report of my gun, seek shelter behind some 
tree. ’ ’ 

The last thing Sandy heard as he gained a 
half-erect position, and started otf on a lope, 
was the click of Bob’s gun-lock as he prepared 
for business. No doubt the boy’s heart was 
pounding like a hammer as he thus exposed 
himself to the aim of an endmy; but, nothing 
daunted, he kept right on, looking to the right 
and to the left as he scurried along. 

And Bob, left behind amid the bushes, lifted 
his head slowly, so that he could see all that 
transpired, a grim expression on his young 
face, such as the stern realities of those early 
days stamped upon many a boyish countenance. 


84 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Ha! There was a movement not far away 
that his keen ear caught. Not turning his head 
a particle he twisted his eyes around to the left, 
and immediately discovered a bent figure that 
was skulking along, now dodging behind a tree, 
and anon crouching flat, as Sandy threatened 
to look around. 

It was an Indian, rigged out in all the horrid 
paint and feathers that marked a Shawanee 
brave on the warpath. He gripped a short, 
but stout, bow in his hands; and even as Bob 
caught sight of him seemed to be fitting a feath- 
ered shaft to the tense gut that served as a 
cord. 

Undoubtedly it was his intention to shoot 
again, and this time, as Sandy’s back would be 
turned, there was a strong probability that the 
arrow might find a victim. 

Bob looked no further; his mind was made 
up, and, raising his flint-lock musket to his 
shoulder, he glanced hastily along the barrel. 

The red man was in the very act of letting 
fly his arrow when the bang of the heavily 
charged musket awoke the echoes of the forest. 
Sandy had not forgotten his part in the pro- 
gramme, for no sooner did he hear that dis- 
charge than he made a quick spring to a neigh- 


THE PERILS OF THE WILDERNESS 85 


boring beech tree, back of which he crouched, 
ready to do his part in the game. 

The Indian fell down, but, immediately 
scrambling to his feet with a whoop, ran off 
like a frightened deer. He was holding his 
right arm as he went, from which fact Bob 
gained the opinion that his hastily sent bullet 
must have struck that part of the enemy’s 
anatomy. 

Then he vanished in the depths of the forest, 
while Bob reloaded as fast as he could work 
his hands. 

Are there any more of them? ” called 
Sandy, as he poked his gun out from behind 
the beech, ready to make use of the same at 
the slightest provocation. 

I do not think so,” replied Bob, consider- 
ably relieved at not discovering a horde of 
dusky figures rushing toward them, as he had 
feared would be the case. 

Nor did they notice any signs of enemies 
around them. Sandy insisted upon going over 
to the spot where the Indian had dropped his 
bow and arrow, at the time he received Bob’s 
bullet in his arm. 

“ Some of them might refuse to believe that 
we had met a real Indian, and got the better 


86 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


of him/’ he said, after picking up his trophies; 

but these will be the proof.” 

“ Let us go on,” observed Bob, who had now 
finished the labor of recharging his gun. 

Then you do not mean to give up looking 
for game! ” asked Sandy, eagerly. 

<< Why should we? ” observed his brother, 
sturdily. That Indian has run otf, and we 
need fear nothing further from him. Perhaps 
there is no other within miles of this spot, and 
we need fresh meat very much. If my shot 
has not frightened everything away, we may 
get a chance at a deer yet.” 

‘‘Perhaps a buffalo!” remarked Sandy, 
with eagerness in his voice; for as yet no one 
in the company had been successful in shoot- 
ing a specimen of those huge, shaggy monsters, 
about which they had heard so much, and whose 
beaten trails they followed so persistently in 
making their way. 

They kept on. Bob careful all the while to 
observe the direction they took, for he did not 
wish to get lost. He was moving up against 
the wind, so that even the most suspicious 
game might not scent their presence. 

“ Look! What is that? ” whispered Sandy, 
as they made their way through a screen of 


THE PERILS OF THE WILDERNESS 87 


bushes, and some bulky object was observed 
trotting along ahead. 

^ ‘ A buffalo at last ! Get ready, and we will 
fire together! ’’ said Bob, trying to stifle his 
excitement as he dropped on one knee, the bet- 
ter to aim his gun. 

Ready? Shoot!’’ 

The two reports sounded almost as one. 

‘ ‘ He went down ! Oh ! we got him ! ’ ’ shrilled 
the sanguine one, ready to rush forward. 

‘‘Hold on!” Bob quickly cried; “see, 
you’re mistaken, for he has scrambled to his 
feet. Wounded as he is, if he sees us there will 
be trouble. There, he is heading this way, 
Sandy! Jump for a tree, lad, jump for a 
tree! ” 


CHAPTER IX 


ALONG THE BUFFALO TEAH. 

Sandy jumped according to orders. With 
that furious-looking beast coming on the trot, 
with lowered, massive head, and uttering sav- 
age bellows as he advanced, no boy would have 
hesitated in seeking safety. 

Bob swung himself into the lower branches 
of the tree under which he chanced to he at 
the time the attack came. On the other hand, 
Sandy did not understand it in that light. He 
expected to use the trunk of a beech as a shield, 
behind which he might find shelter from the 
bison bull. 

Apparently the animal had only sighted 
Sandy, since he made direct for the tree back 
of which the boy crouched. 

Look out for him, Sandy! ” shouted the 
occupant of the tree, as he kicked his mocca- 
sined feet, and in other ways tried to attract 
to himself the attention of the infuriated beast. 

In this he did not seem to be successful, for 
the charging bull kept straight on, and came 
88 


ALONG THE BUFFALO TRAIL 


89 


up against the trunk of Sandy’s refuge with 
a thump that staggered him not a little. 

You see what you get! ” called the boy, 
tauntingly, hovering behind the tree, and ready 
to glide around it at the first sign of pur- 
suit. 

Take care, he’s going to chase after you! 
Keep close to the tree, and be sure you don’t 
slip! ” called Bob; who, his hands trembling 
with excitement, was trying to get a charge of 
powder into the barrel of his musket, no easy 
task while he sat perched on a limb. 

Meanwhile there was a scene of action close 
by. Sandy showed a clean pair of heels to the 
enemy, slipping adroitly around the beech as 
fast as the buffalo could chase after him. If 
he kept his footing all would be well; but, 
should he ever trip on one of the roots that 
cropped out of the ground, perhaps the ugly 
horns of the beast would gore him before he 
could roll out of reach. 

So, while he continued to load his gun. Bob 
kept up a succession of outcries, intended to 
encourage his brother, and at the same time 
disconcert the stubborn bison. 

Keep moving, Sandy! Don’t let him get 
a swipe at you, boy! Oh! I came near drop- 


90 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ping that bullet then. Will I ever get this gun 
loaded? Be careful, lad! That time yon were 
nearly down. He is tiring, Sandy; but unless 
I make haste something dreadful may happen. 
I must finish this job. Look out again, he’s 
meaning to turn on you suddenly. There ! just 
what I feared; but you were too quick for 
him! ” 

By this time the boy who was spinning 
around the tree so rapidly had begun to realize 
that it was not so much fun, after all, this being 
pursued by a monster with wicked horns, and 
the power of a tornado in his thick-set neck. 
At times he could almost feel the hot breath 
of the animal upon his neck, which showed how 
very close the buffalo must be. Had Sandy 
chanced to be alone his condition must have 
been doubly desperate. As it was, his only 
hope seemed to lie in the ability of his brother 
to get his gun loaded in time to put an end 
to the crazy bison. 

Keep it up just ten seconds longer, Sandy, 
and I’ll be ready! The priming, boy, that’s 
all! Now look out, here goes! ” 

As Bob said this he discharged his musket, 
after securing a fair aim, as the animal’s flank 
came .around in full view. 


ALONG THE BUFFALO TRAIL 


91 


Hurrah! he’s down again! ” gasped poor 
Sandy with almost his last breath, for he 
seemed on the verge of exhaustion from the 
whirl around that tree. 

Climb up out of reach, quick! ” shouted 
Bob, jumping down so as to attract the atten- 
tion of the bull toward himself should the ani- 
mal manage to stagger to his legs again, for 
he saw his brother was exhausted and would 
now prove an easy victim. 

But Sandy was on the ground, and he saw 
something that his brother did not. The last 
bullet had reached a vital spot, and already 
the big animal was quivering in the last ex- 
piring throes. 

Get your gun, and load up as fast as you 
can! ” said Bob, himself suiting the action to 
the word. 

But see, he is dead! ” expostulated the 
other, pointing to the buffalo, which by now 
had ceased to struggle and lay quite still. 

Never mind. Load the gun as fast as you 
can!” repeated Bob. A hunter with an 
empty shooting-iron is an easy mark for every 
prowling redskin. Surely Pat has said that to 
us many times. And we now know there are 
Indians around here.” 


92 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Thus urged, the younger boy hastened to 
comply. 

Just to think, he could not help saying, 
when this important business had been at- 
tended to, and both of the guns were placed in 
shape for further service, weVe actually 
brought down a big butfalo. And it is the first 
one shot by any of our party. But all the 
honor is yours. Bob. If it had been left to me 
perhaps the old sinner might have got me. I 
was getting blown to a certainty. ’ ’ 

But we can share the honor, Sandy; for 
if you had not kept running round and round 
as you did, how else could I have shot him? • ’ 
That was Bob’s generous way, and Sandy 
knew it would be utterly useless trying to es- 
cape taking half the credit. 

You watch while I use the knife and take 
off the skin, ’ ’ Bob went on ; for he knew that 
the hide, if properly cured, would make a val- 
uable robe, to insure warmth when the winter 
snows came again. And watch out for In- 
dians,” he added suggestively. 

These boys had served their apprenticeship 
at trapping animals, and there was little in the 
science of removing and preserving pelts that 
they did not know. So now, while Bob had 


ALONG THE BUFFALO TRAIL 


93 


never before seen a dead buifalo, and only had 
a glimpse of a live one close at hand, he knew 
just how to go to work. 

Plenty of good meat here for the whole 
camp,’’ remarked Sandy, with kindling eyes, 
as he saw the large buffalo hams exposed by 
the removal of the hide. 

Yes, and they say it is fine. If it can beat 
that bear we shot early last winter, before all 
its fat was gone. I’ll be glad we ran across 
him,” Bob remarked, as he now prepared to 
cut the carcass up, so that the best portions 
might be reserved. 

‘‘ I wonder when the folks will be along? ” 
said the younger lad, allowing his gaze to 
travel between the thick trees in that quarter 
where it might be expected the pack-horses 
would sooner or later appear. 

Listen! ” remarked Bob just then, raising 
his head, I thought I heard a shout far 
away. ’ ’ 

Sandy began to look anxious. 

Oh! I hope nothing has gone wrong,” he 
observed. 

Nonsense! ” expostulated the other, 
what could have happened? Just because 
we saw an Indian, and he tried to put an arrow 


94 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


in one of ns, is no sign of danger to the camp. 
The only thing that botliers me is that perhaps 
they have halted far back there for the night. 
In that event, see where we would have to carry 
all this meat.’^ 

We might hang it up out of reach of wolves, 
and bring some of the men, with a horse, to 
tote it in,’’ suggested Sandy. 

‘‘ That is so, and a clever idea, too. Wait 
and see. Perhaps they may come on, and pass 
near us here,” Bob remarked, for we are 
close to the trail, which I am sure lies over by 
that leaning sycamore tree.” 

So they sat down to wait and listen for more 
signs. 

This certainly heats our woods back in 
Virginia,” remarked Bob, as he looked around 
at the great primeval forest that surrounded 
them, the trees of tremendous girth and begin- 
ning to show a new crop of bright green 
leaves. 

Yes,” responded his brother, reflectively, 
it is indeed a wonderful country, and, from 
the signs, just overflowing with game. There 
was that salt-lick we ran across two days ago ; 
why, from the marks, thousands of deer and 
butfalo must visit it every year. That very 


ALONG THE BUFFALO TRAIL 


95 


night we shot three fine stags and a doe, you 
remember. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Yes, and I was sorry we killed that last 
one, for she had a little spotted fawn running 
at her heels, and of course it will die, being left 
uncared for.’’ 

Bob was a true sportsman. He loved to hunt 
game, but something within always prevented 
him from killing more than he could use. And 
that is ever the mark of one who truly loves 
Nature. Believing that these good things are 
provided by an all-wise Creator for the enjoy- 
ment of man, they look on it as a sin to waste 
any such bounties. 

a There, that was a shout, and close by, too. 
I think it must have been Darby calling to that 
lazy beast of his, which wants to lie down in 
every little stream we have to ford. Yes, there 
he breaks out again,” said Sandy. 

And from the row that is going on, and 
the laughing, I fear the beast has done what 
he’s been threatening to do this long while, and 
rolled over in a brook. But I can see them now, 
over yonder,” said Bob, pointing. 

Presently the straggling line of pack-horses 
came along. When the head man saw what a 
fine supply of meat the two young Nimrods had 


96 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


awaiting them, he gave the word to pitch 
camp. 

The afternoon is going, and we could 
hardly find a better spot than right here,^^ he 
observed ; at which there was a bustle all 
around, for camp always meant a period of 
ease and rest from the weary tramping over 
rough ground. 

But what is that you are carrying, 
Sandy? demanded David Armstrong, as he 
came along with his two horses, his wife and 
Kate tramping at their side with the steadiness 
of squaws, for they had become accustomed to 
such vigorous and healthy labor. 

An Indian’s bow and arrow which we 
picked up after Bob shot and wounded the 
owner, who was trying to get me,” the boy 
quickly replied. 

At the word Indian ” others came to stare 
at the weapon with curiosity, not unmixed with 
alarm, for they knew only too well that now 
they had burned their bridges behind them, for 
there could be no going back, and every day 
carried them further and further into the de- 
batable country of the Shawanees, which later 
on would be known as the “ dark and bloody 
ground.” 


CHAPTER X 


ATTACKED BY INDIANS 

“ It looks as if Pat expected trouble to- 
night, Bob.^’ 

Well, the men have been holding a council, 
and father says it is best to be on the safe side ; 
so the guard after this will be doubled.’’ 

The two brothers were sitting on the out- 
skirts of the camp. It did not look like the 
cheerful spectacle that up to now had marked 
every stopping place on the journey. 

A fire had been made late in the afternoon, 
and all the cooking done before it grew dark; 
then the blaze was allowed to die out. This 
had been done through the advice of the Irish 
trapper, who knew that the eyes of Indians are 
especially keen, and that, when darkness came, 
they could see a light like a camp-fire a long 
distance off. Even this precaution might not 
prevent their being attacked before dawn; but 
it was reducing the chances to a minimum. 

From where the brothers sat they could just 
make out the camp, with the horses quietly 
97 


98 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


feeding, and the rude shelters erected to pro- 
tect the women and children from the damp 
night air. The more hardy men, when not on 
duty, were accustomed to dropping down any- 
where, and going to sleep. 

On one side several fallen trees had been 
formed into a rude sort of rampart, behind 
which, in a pinch, the members of the expedi- 
tion might find shelter from plunging arrows, 
should the worst come. 

All these preparations were just what they 
had been expecting must come sooner or later. 
Nevertheless, they naturally gave the boys con- 
siderable uneasiness, not so much on account 
of themselves, as because of those loved ones, 
their mother and Kate. 

‘‘ There are several scouts out, too, to dis- 
cover the approach of any hostiles, and bring 
warning,’^ remarked Bob. 

Oh! I hope nothing happens,” said Sandy, 
with a sigh; for, now that they were face to 
face with the long-anticipated trouble, some- 
how things looked different from when he sur- 
veyed them before leaving that Virginia home 
in the valley of the Shenandoah. 

“ Pat says these redskins are not accus- 
tomed to. the sound of firearms, ’ ^ the older boy 


ATTACKED BY INDIANS 


99 


continued. ‘ ‘ Pew among them have guns ; and 
those have been sold to them by the treacherous 
French traders, who are always setting the In- 
dians on the English.’’ 

Just because they want to have a line of 
trading posts stretching between their posses- 
sions up in Canada, and down in Louisiana,” 
remarked Sandy, bitterly; for this was a sub- 
ject that all the colonists felt deeply; because 
the French traders lost no opportunity for 
causing ill blood between the Iroquois, Sha- 
wanees, Delawares, Sacs and Pottawatomies on 
the one side, and the English on the other. 

“ Yes,” replied Bob, that is supposed to 
be the reason. Then, again, these Indian tribes 
see the end of their hunting grounds if the pale- 
faces keep coming across the mountains year 
by year, and they will fight. Sooner or later 
we must encounter them. Father knew it; yes, 
and that is why mother has that sad look in her 
eyes.” 

No longer did the boys belonging to the camp 
venture upon any of their sports and games 
while the expedition rested for the night. On 
other occasions they had wrestled, run races 
afoot, and engaged in various small rivalries, 
though there had been no shooting at a mark. 


100 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


since ammunition was far too valuable to be 
thus wasted. 

To-night they hung around, listening to the 
subdued talk, and imbued with some of the 
same spirit that cause the women to huddle 
together around their little ones and speak in 
hushed voices. 

A silence seemed to be upon the very forest 
itself, though at this early period in the spring 
there were usually few birds moving, and ani- 
mated nature had not as yet wholly issued 
forth after the winter hibernation, so that this 
in itself was not so strange. 

Shall we go in and try to sleep? asked 
Sandy, after two hours had passed with no 
alarm being given. 

You might, returned Bob; ‘‘ but I mean 
to stay up as long as I can.’’ 

But, you know, Pat was telling us that 
these red men of the west usually attack just 
before dawn, when sleep hangs heaviest and 
the darkness is strongest! ” remarked Sandy, 
shrewdly. 

All very true,” Bob hastened to say; but 
this once they may see fit to change their tac- 
tics. Besides, I do not feel at all sleepy. You 
go in and lie down; but keep your gun close 


ATTACKED BY INDIANS 


101 


beside you, and remember what the orders are 
in case of an alarm.” 

I have not forgotten. Every man has his 
position ; and, as we can handle a gun, we count 
for the same. But, if you expect to stay right 
here, why should I not lie down and sleep under 
this tree, as well as in there? ” 

Bob being unable to advance any plausible 
reason why this would not answer, the younger 
boy curled himself up in a knot right there on 
the bare ground, and inside of five minutes 
his regular breathing announced that he was 
asleep. 

Sitting there. Bob allowed his thoughts to 
wander far afield, and of course, in spite of 
himself, they went back to the home of his 
childhood, to that familiar old cabin under the 
wide-spreading oak. 

But he had no regrets. The bitterness 
caused by the unkind conduct of those one- 
time friends and neighbors still swayed him; 
and he was glad at the thought of being gone 
forever from such unhappy surroundings. 

What was that? He certainly had heard a 
sound like some one running; and, even as he 
started up to listen, a figure brushed past, and 
went on into the camp ! 


102 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Bob^s heart began to beat more rapidly. He 
knew that this must be one of the scouts. What 
news did he bring? Were the Indians about 
to descend upon them? 

Wake up, Sandy! ’’ he said, as he laid a 
hand on the sleeping boy. 

The other sat up, rubbing his eyes as though 
hardly understanding where he was; but sud- 
denly he seemed to comprehend. 

What is it. Bob? he asked, eagerly, are 
they coming; and must we fight in the dark? ’’ 
I do not exactly know,’^ returned the- 
other; ‘‘ only, some one hurried by us, and I 
think he brings news. Yes, see, the men are 
quietly rising up all around. The signal must 
have been given. Come, let us get back into 
camp before we are cut off by the enemy.” 

The two boys soon joined the rest, when they 
learned that the scout had indeed brought 
startling news. The Indians were coming in 
force, and advancing secretly to try to take the 
settlers by surprise. At any minute they might 
spring up and send a cloud of missiles into the 
camp. 

All preparations as yet undone must now be 
hurriedly looked after. The women and chil- 
dren were placed behind the shelter of the log 


ATTACKED BY INDIANS 


103 


rampart. Each man took the position that had 
been marked out for him; then, with bated 
breath, they waited for what was coming. 

None would ever forget that night! It was 
their first real experience with the wily and 
treacherous red foe, with whom they were 
fated in after years to become so familiar, and 
to hate so cordially. 

Pat O’Mara was perhaps the only one among 
them fully acquainted with the tricky ways of 
the redskins; and he had endeavored to put 
every man on his guard against being caught 
unawares. Besides, he had laid out a shrewd 
plan of campaign, by means of which it was 
hoped to demoralize the assailants. 

After what seemed like an interminable wait 
there was a sudden shot. One of those on 
guard had possibly caught sight of an enemy 
creeping closer to the outskirts of the camp. 

It was enough to tell the prowling Indians 
that their plans were no secret; for immedi- 
ately the forest resounded with their shrill 
whoops. They seemed to spring up from every 
direction. Seeing their numbers in the faint 
light of the stars, the defenders of the camp 
might well be excused for feeling new alarm. 

Then guns began to sound and to join their 


104 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ringing reports with the awful shouts of the 
enemy. The arrows flew like hail, and lucky 
the white who had found shelter in time behind 
some friendly tree. 

It was in this exciting moment that Pat 
0 ’Mara proved his worth. 

Above the dreadful clamor his brave Irish 
voice rang out, cheering the men on. 

Hurroo! give it till ’em, me byes! Shoot 
straight ivery toime, and make each bit av lead 
count! Remimber the wimmen and childer, it 
is; and knock ivery head ye say! ” he kept 
shouting, seeming to be everywhere at once. 

He had arranged it so that the men fought in 
couples. While one fired the other was reload- 
ing his gun ; and thus there was always a detail 
capable of sending in a volley, should it be 
desperately needed. 

Bob and Sandy crouched low, doing manful 
work, though filled with unspeakable dread lest 
the Indians should rush the camp, carrying all 
before them. 

Are they retreating, brother? ” asked 
Sandy at length, after this riot of terrible 
sounds had been going on for what seemed an 
age. 

‘‘ I think it must be so,” returned Bob. 


ATTACKED BY INDIANS 


105 


hardly able to believe the truth himself. 
“ Their shouts seem to be further away; and 
the arrows have stopped falling! ” 

‘ ‘ Oh ! I wonder what damage has been done, 
and if — ” But even the stout-hearted Sandy 
dare not voice the fear that was in his soul, 
for his thoughts had turned to the beloved 
father and the two others who crouched back 
of that poor shelter of logs. 

Were any of them injured? 

Lights! Start the fire, so that we can see 
what damage has been done ! ’ ’ called the leader 
of the emigrant band; and almost like magic 
tinder was ignited, to be applied to the fires 
prepared against this time of need. 


CHAPTER XI 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 

Come with me, Bob! ” said the younger 
boy, unable to undertake the mission alone. 

Courage! ” cried the other in his ear; I 
am sure all is well, and that I heard Kate’s 
voice in the song of hallelujah that arose from 
the women when it was known the Indians had 
fled. All must be well, brother! ” 

Yes, all was well; and in another moment 
the boys were encircled in the loving arms of 
their anxious mother, while David, bleeding 
from a slight wound where an arrow had struck 
him, stood by with thanksgiving written on his 
bearded face. 

If the hoys had felt worried about the mother 
and Kate, fancy her feelings, knowing as she 
did that her loved ones were on the firing line 
and taking a thousand risks ! 

But it was all over now. Pat O’Mara de- 
clared that the red men had received a lesson 
they would not soon forget. Doubtless the 
valiant little company of home-seekers would 
106 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 


107 


not be troubled again while on the way to the 
Ohio. 

They had not come out of the battle entirely 
unscathed. True, Heaven had been kind, and 
no one had been mortally hurt; but there were 
several suffering grievous wounds, who would 
have to be tenderly nursed for a time. 

It^s lucky for us,^’ declared the redoubt- 
able Irish trapper, after the extent of the dam- 
age had been discovered, thot the Shawanees 
niver poison their war arrows. Troth, but it 
would be a sorry day for the loike av us if thot 
same were thrue, as IVe knowed some Injuns 
to do.’’ And every poor fellow who had re- 
ceived a more or less painful wound echoed his 
words. 

When the pioneers came to look around in 
the early morning light, expecting to find many 
dead Indians, for those guns had poured a hail 
of bullets directly into the midst of the onrush- 
ing foe, to their great surprise they failed to 
discover a single one. Their dusky comrades 
must have crept up in the darkness and re- 
moved both dead and wounded, fearing lest 
they fall into the hands of the whites. 

It was high noon before the expedition could 
get started that day, there were so many things 


108 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


to be done toward repairing damages, attend- 
ing the wounded, and waiting to hear the re- 
port of scouts sent out to learn whether the 
Indians had really left the vicinity. 

Satisfied at length that it would be safe to 
travel, they made a start. But it might be 
noticed that from now on there would be no 
long straggling line of burdened horses, strung 
out along the butfalo trail. They huddled to- 
gether in a bunch, and every man clung to his 
gun constantly, while eyes were kept on the 
alert for the slightest sign of the cunning 
enemy. 

Several times there were alarms that sent a 
quiver throughout the entire line. Once a 
woman discovered a branch moving in a tree, 
and was sure that their relentless foes must 
have secreted themselves among the sprouting 
foliage of the oaks, or amid the dense pines, 
ready to drop down upon the little caravan as 
'it passed. 

Forming in a compact mass, with the horses 
and women in the centre, and the armed men 
circling the whole, they waited until Pat 
O^Mara himself crept forward to investigate. 
Then it was found that a wildcat had jumped 
from one branch to another, causing the sway- 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 


109 


ing movement that brought about the 
alarm. 

Altogether it was a day never to be forgot- 
ten. When night drew near, the leader, after 
conferring with the trapper, selected a place 
for camping which could readily be defended. 
Half an hour’s work among the loose rocks, 
and the pioneers had constructed quite a 
fort. 

Bob and his brother worked with the rest; 
but both of them keenly felt this new necessity 
for being shut up with the others, for they 
loved dearly to roam. 

To-morrow, if all is well, we must get out 
ahead again,” said Sandy, as they watched the 
night shades gather around the new camp. 

Pat says there is little danger,” added Bob, 
reflectively. He knows these Indians like a 
book, and declares that they will not recover 
from their licking in a hurry. Besides, we need 
not go far away in order to strike game in this 
country where it is so plentiful.” 

It looks as if they meant to keep the fires 
going to-night. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Yes, that is to show the enemy that we do 
not fear them. Pat says you can cow Indians 
by appearing to have a contempt for them. 


no THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Once let them believe you are afraid and they 
will be very brave. Besides, you know we have 
men out yonder watching. No danger of a 
surprise to-night. Every trail is guarded.’’ 

Well, it looks more cheerful, I must say,” 
declared Sandy; and there is surely some- 
thing in what Pat says. Who knows the ways 
of these redskins better than he? Twice has 
he been with Colonel Boone, far down in the 
regions of the Kentucky River. I would trust 
his word in anything. ’ ’ 

‘‘ He seems to be everywhere, and hardly 
sleeps. But,” and Bob sighed as he spoke, ‘‘ I 
know I shall be glad, for one, when we reach 
the spot where we mean to make our new home, 
and can build a cabin to cover the heads of 
mother and Kate.” 

‘‘ Just what I was thinking,” echoed the 
younger lad. After all, there is nothing like 
home, no matter if it be in Virginia or in the 
wilderness, so long as she is there. But, oh! 
listen ! Is that not the signal agreed upon with 
the sentinels out in the timber? Can the enemy 
be coming down on us now ? ’ ’ 

Impossible,” said Bob, after listening in- 
tently. According to all we have ever heard 
about their ways they do not make an attack 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 


111 


before late in the night, and never at dusk. It 
must mean something else.’’ 

But there it goes again, and closer. One 
of the men is coming in. Perhaps he does not 
wish to take chances of being fired upon by 
some hasty fellow.” 

Now I hear voices,” declared Bob, raising 
his hand, ‘‘ and some of them do not sound fa- 
miliar, though they speak good English. Oh! 
I wonder if it can be — look at Pat hurrying 
forward, and see how his face is covered with 
a broad grin ! Brother, it must be he recog- 
nized a familiar sound in — Look, several men 
are coming, and they are hunters, too! ” 

That one in front. Bob, with the bold air 
— I have not forgotten that Pat told us how 
one man he knew seemed born to command. 
Did you ever see a face like that! It is, — it 
must be Colonel Boone himself! ” 

All was now excitement in the emigrant 
camp. Dogs barked, horses* neighed, men 
shouted, and women laughed; while children 
added their shrill cries to the general clamor. 
Just the coming of five men clad in buckskin 
had caused this uproar ; but such men ! 

Come! ” cried Sandy, seizing hold of his 
brother by the sleeve. ‘ ‘ Let us go forward and 


112 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


meet them. See, there is father shaking hands 
with Colonel Boone, just as if he had known 
him before. And look at Pat dancing around 
like a crazy man! Did you ever know him to 
be so happy? Now we shall surely reach the 
Ohio without being set upon again by the red 
men.’’ 

It was a period of great rejoicing. Daniel 
Boone (Note 5) and his fellow hunters were 
once more on their way to the region where the 
great pioneer had determined to locate his fu- 
ture home, in the heart of the country below 
the Ohio, and to be known later on as Ken- 
tucky. 

As the hunters had not supped, the women 
were soon employed getting them a good meal. 
Meanwhile the story of the recent fight was 
told. 

But there was little that was new to these 
readers of Indian signs; for they had passed 
over the scene of the fight just a few hours 
back, and, not finding any signs of fresh graves, 
knew that death could not have visited the pio- 
neers. 

‘Both Bob and Sandy felt proud to shake the 
hand of the man of whom they had heard so 
much from the Irish trapper; and, when they 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 


113 


looked into his bold face, with its wonderfully 
magnetic eyes, they understood how it was that 
Colonel Boone had such a strange influence 
with the Indians along the Ohio. 

He has promised to stay wid us until we 
reach the river,’’ said Pat O’Mara, as he joined 
the Armstrong family a little later, as they 
were comparing notes. 

And the others also? ” asked David. Da- 
viess, Hardin, Harlan and the young man, 
Simon Kenton (Note 6), of whom Boone seems 
to be so fond, will they also remain in our 
company that long? ” 

‘‘ Sure they will,” replied the trapper, 
quickly, an’ only too glad av the chanct. It 
isn’t often they happens to run acrost white 
paple in this blissed wilderness. The sight av 
a lady must be a plisure till men as are exiled 
from home. Sure they mane to stay by us. 
And by the same token ’tis little we nade fear 
from the pesky rid varmints after this.” 

It seemed to Sandy that he could not sleep, 
much as he was in need of rest after the wake- 
fulness of the previous night. He hovered 
around wherever Colonel Boone chanced to be, 
listening to his musical voice, and hanging upon 
his words. 


114 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


The forest rangers were all dressed pretty 
much alike, after the custom in vogue at that 
day. The outside garment was a hunting shirt, 
or loose open frock, made of tanned deerskins. 
Leggins of the same material covered the lower 
limbs, fancifully fringed along the outside 
seam; the collar, or cape, of the shirt was also 
fringed. The feet were clad in beaded mocca- 
sins, no doubt made in some Indian wigwam. 

Each man carried a hatchet or tomahawk 
suspended from his belt, while a keen-edged 
hunting knife reposed in a leather sheath. Be- 
sides, there were a powder-horn, bullet-pouch, 
and a little hag containing tinder, flint and 
steel, and such indispensables as a nomad, wan- 
dering day by day through unknown forests, 
would need for his comfort. 

Sandy, even after he was induced to lie under 
a blanket, kept watching the imposing figure 
of Boone, as he moved about the camp. It was 
a plain case of hero worship on the boy’s part. 
He had heard so much about this wonderful 
man, and now that he had seen him there was 
not the least disappointment connected with 
the reality. 

Finally Sandy fell asleep, his last thought 
being a sincere wish that some day he too might 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 


115 


possess a portion of the power over men that 
was given to Daniel Boone. 

It was morning when the boy awoke. There 
had been no alarm during the night, and Pat 
O ’Marais prediction concerning the Indians 
seemed coming true. The defeat they had re- 
ceived at the hands of the whites had cowed 
them for the time being, though of course no 
one was so simple as to believe that this state 
of atfairs, however pleasant it might seem, 
would last long. 

An early start was made, for they had high 
hopes that they might arrive at the bank of the 
mighty Ohio River before another night. 

If you put your best foot forward,^’ Boone 
had told them the previous night, as he con- 
ferred with Pat and the leading spirits in the 
camp, it may be possible to look upon the 
Ohio before dark sets in again. Jo Daviess 
here, who has a better knowledge of distances 
than the rest of us, since he has been a sur- 
veyor, tells me it can be done. And I have 
never known him to make a mistake. ’ ’ 

That day marked a vast difference in the 
attitude of the pioneers. No longer did they 
huddle together like a bunch of scared quail, 
anticipating trouble from every quarter. The 


116 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


very presence of those five experienced hunters 
and Indian fighters seemed a tower of strength 
to them. 

Sandy and his brother took advantage of the 
opportunity to resume their usual hunting ex- 
pedition, and managed to bring down a fine 
five-pronged buck that was a welcome addition 
to the larder. 

It was about four in the afternoon, as told 
by the sun in the western heavens, for none of 
them had any other means of ascertaining the 
flight of time, when, passing through an unusu- 
ally dense patch of timber, the pioneers came 
out upon a high bank, and saw a sight that 
tingled their blood. 

Before them flowed a majestic stream, 
wooded down to the edge of the water, and 
with the westering sun gilding the little wave- 
lets until they seemed tipped with gold. It was 
the sublime Ohio, at that time the most beau- 
tiful of streams, for its hilly shores were cov- 
ered with the virgin forest. 

Loud rang the cheers from that little band 
of pioneers. 

The Armstrongs’ long and arduous journey 
was at an end. Somewhere along the river 
they would select the spot upon which to erect 


ON THE BANK OF THE OHIO 117 


their cabin. The surrounding country fairly 
teemed with game; and, if the Indians would 
only leave them in peace, they had reason to 
believe that in this wilderness they might find 
the haven for which they sighed when leaving 
their Virginia home. 


CHAPTER XII 


BOONE, THE CAPTAIN OF PIONEEKS 

That night the hunters passed again with 
the settlers. On the following morning it was 
the intention of Boone and his companions to 
start further west; for the lure of Kentucky 
was in his veins, and he felt that no other place 
could satisfy him, after having once seen that 
rich soil and hunted in the majestic woods 
along the Kentucky River. 

Before leaving the pioneers the mighty 
hunter gave them much good advice. He knew 
of a very desirable plateau just a few miles 
further west, looking out upon the river, where 
he himself would locate if he had not already 
decided on a site on the Kentucky River; and 
here he hoped they would settle. 

Bob and Sandy had decided that they would 
accompany the hunters a little way when they 
left. They wished to see as much of them as 
possible, and, besides, it was down the river the 
rest would soon be coming, in search of the 
118 


BOONE, THE CAPTAIN OF PIONEERS 119 


spot marked out by the discerning eye of 
Boone. 

Glad to have your company, lads,’^ said 
Daniel Boone, when Bob made the request, 
‘ ‘ for I have taken much interest in both of you. 
Friend Armstrong is a lucky man to have his 
family with him from the start, and he sighed 
slightly, for it had been so fated that in much 
of his pioneer work Boone was compelled to 
be separated from those he loved. 

That was a morning those lads would never 
forget as long as they lived. Side by side they 
walked with the man who knew more about In- 
dian craftiness than any other along the entire 
frontier; and in his own pleasant way Boone 
gave the boys much valuable advice. 

Always keep a charge in your gun if possi- 
ble,^’ he said, and sleep with one eye open, 
when you have reason to believe there are In- 
dians around; for, next to a cat, I believe the 
red varmints to be the trickiest things in all 
creation. But here we are at the spot I picked 
out for your settlement. It would not be wise 
for you to go any further, lads. What do you 
think of my choice? Do you believe you can 
make a happy home here ? ’ ’ 

When they looked around, and noted the nat- 


120 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ural beauty of the location, commanding a fine 
view of the river as it did, the two boys were 
loud in its praise. 

‘‘I’m glad you like it,” observed Boone; 
“ for the first time I struck this place I deter- 
mined that some day it must be covered with 
the homes of white men. Once an Indian vil- 
lage stood here, and why they moved away I 
never learned; but you will find many signs 
where their lodges stood, and there are burial 
places back in the hills.” 

“ Must you go now. Colonel Boone? ” asked 
Bob, who felt a sense of keen regret because 
their pleasant relations must be severed so 
soon. 

“ It is necessary that we lose no more time,” 
came the reply; “ already I fear that some 
who await us far beyond may be in difficulties, 
for the Indians were beginning to grow trouble- 
some at the time I left. But we will come 
again. Here we shall hope to find a warm wel- 
come when passing back and forth.” 

So the boys shook hands with each of the five 
buckskin-clad rangers. The young man, Simon 
Kenton, had interested them very much. 

“ He has the making of a second Colonel 
Boone in him,” Bob said, as his eyes followed 


BOONE, THE CAPTAIN OF PIONEERS 121 


the little band of pioneers, walking along in 
Indian file, with Kenton bringing up the rear; 
‘‘ I wish he would only take a notion to join 
his fortunes with us here/’ 

Then the figures of the five were hidden in 
the dense undergrowth. The last they saw of 
Daniel Boone was when he turned, before plun- 
ging into the thicket, to wave a hand to them 
in good-bye. 

What shall we do now? ” asked Sandy, 
rather gloomily; for somehow he seemed to 
feel the departure of these valiant frontiers- 
men keenly, though he had only known them 
such a brief time. 

Stay around here until our folks come. 
We promised Colonel Boone not to follow after 
him, you remember,” returned Bob, with whom 
his word was as good as his bond. 

But that may not be for some hours,” pro- 
tested the impatient Sandy; ‘‘ because, you 
know, they were not near ready to start when 
we left camp; and then they will move much 
slower than we did, led by men who know every 
trail. ’ ’ 

‘‘ But it ought to be enough for us to just 
sit here and look out on that grand river,” 
remarked Bob, admiration in his eyes, as he 


122 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


turned them upon the silently flowing stream, 
still hank-full from the spring rains. 

‘ ^ It is a fine sight, I ’m ready to say, ^ ^ Sandy 
admitted; ‘‘ and after we get a cabin built we 
ought to be mighty well contented here, with 
fish to be had for the taking at the door, and 
game coming up almost asking to be shot.” 

^ ^ Think of the use for our traps back in those 
wooded hills. Why, I wager we shall lay in a 
store of pelts the first winter five times as great 
as ever happened in Virginia. But how glad 
I am the dreadful journey is done. Kate and 
mother both stood it better than father ex- 
pected. How brave they are, and what a bless- 
ing it is to have such a mother and sister.” 

Bob’s eyes filled while he was speaking; but 
they were tears of gratitude, not sorrow. 

Sitting there, and gazing as if fascinated out 
upon the broad and majestic stream which from 
this time on was fated to enter so deeply into 
their new life. Bob did not notice that his 
younger brother was wandering around the 
place. Sandy had always been as curious as 
any woman, and this propensity had more than 
a few times brought him face to face with 
trouble. 

It was perhaps half an hour after the five 


BOONE, THE CAPTAIN OF PIONEERS 123 


hunters had left them when Bob suddenly 
aroused to the fact that for some time he had 
not heard anything from his brother. 

I wonder where he can be? he said to 
himself a little anxiously as he scrambled to his 
feet to glance around. Strange that he is 
not in sight. Perhaps after all he did lie 
down, and in this warm sunshine has gone to 
sleep. 

The idea pleased him, and he started to 
search for some sign of the missing one. 

Three minutes, five passed, and still he had 
not discovered Sandy. He had not as yet 
called, thinking that there was no need. 

‘‘ Perhaps I can track him,^’ Bob said to him- 
self, as he once more reached the spot where he 
had been reclining. 

It was not very difficult to ascertain where 
the footprints of his brother made a distinct 
trail, for, although Sandy wore moccasins, the 
soil was soft, and he had not been at any pains 
to hide his tracks. 

So Bob moved along, to the right and to the 
left, just as Sandy had happened to make his 
way when investigating the site for the pro- 
posed settlement. Thus by slow degrees he 
found himself doubling on their own trail. 


124 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


At discovering this Bob smiled. 

‘‘ I think I can see now/^ he remarked. 

While we promised Colonel Boone not to go 
any further than this, nothing was said about 
the back country. And Sandy has been unable 
to resist the temptation to wander around, 
looking for game. But he could not have found 
anything worth while, or surely I should have 
heard a gun-shot. Perhaps I had better give 
him a hail.’^ 

So saying he raised his hand to his mouth, 
after a fashion which they had long followed 
when in the woods, or following their line of 
traps, and immediately through the woods 
rang his shout: 

‘‘Ho! Sandy! Hello! 

To his astonishment a voice immediately an- 
swered, and he saw his brother advancing hur- 
riedly toward him. But he carried no game; 
and no sooner had Bob set eyes upon the oth- 
er’s face than he realized that Sandy brought 
news of some sort, for he looked excited. 

“What is it, — Indians? ” asked the older 
boy, involuntarily half raising his musket, and 
casting an apprehensive glance around at the 
frowning and mysterious forest by which they 
were almost entirely surrounded. 


BOONE, THE CAPTAIN OF PIONEERS 125 


But Sandy shook his head in the negative, 
much to the relief of his brother. 

‘‘ Then have you found a bear’s den, or per- 
haps a wolf’s whelps? ” he went on. 

You would never guess it in a week. Bob,” 
declared Sandy, with a smile ; ‘ ‘ but come with 
me. I am sure you can do him good, with your 
knowledge of surgery, which is going to make 
you a wonderful man some fine day.” 

Surgery! What have you found, Sandy? 
Is there any one wounded near here? ” 

Sandy nodded his head. 

Yes, and pretty badly hurt, I fear.” 

‘‘Not a white man, surely? ” went on the 
other, falling into step with the impatient one. 

“ It is an Indian,” replied Sandy, soberly. 

“ Perhaps one of those who were wounded 
in the fight. He may have come thus far on 
his way to his village, and given out, ’ ’ and now 
it was Bob who urged the pace, for his pro- 
fessional instinct had been aroused. 

True, it was only an Indian who was injured, 
and in those days the settlers on the frontiers 
had a very low estimation of the red man as 
a human being. But then Bob was a boy, and 
his love for relieving pain amounted almost to 
a mania with him. Many a time had he set the 


126 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


broken limb of some little wild animal, across 
which he had accidentally come in the forest; 
and his operations had always been very suc- 
cessful ; so much so that both father and 
mother were proud of him. 

Sandy had apparently taken particular no- 
tice of the place where he had found the in- 
jured Indian, for he seemed to experience no 
trouble in leading the way back there. 

Here he is,” he suddenly remarked, as he 
swept aside a screen of pawpaws. 

Bob looked down upon a painted face, and 
felt a pair of glittering black eyes fastened in- 
tently upon him. 

Why, he is a young fellow, hardly more 
than a boy,” he remarked in some surprise; 
but his words must have been understood by 
the wounded one, for he tried to draw his slen- 
der figure up in pride. 

Me brave — me Blue Jacket! ” he said, al- 
most fiercely, smiting himself several times on 
the chest. 

The peculiar name caused Bob to notice for 
the first time that the young Indian was indeed 
wearing a hunting shirt fancifully decked with 
the quills of the blue-jay, and from which he 
doubtless took his name, although in the Indian 


BOONE, THE CAPTAIN OF PIONEERS 127 


tongue it would probably be of an altogether 
unpronounceable nature. 

The Indian did not wholly trust them, it was 
plain to be seen. Unable to fight, he seemed 
ready to stoically meet his fate without a whim- 
per, for, perhaps, he fully expected these ene- 
mies to knock him on the head, because it was 
evident from the nature of his wound that he 
had been in the recent engagement. 

Let me look at your hurt. Blue Jacket,’’ 
said Bob, bending down over the recumbent 
figure. 

The other set his teeth hard, but beyond a 
grunt gave no sign, while the white lad care- 
fully drew away the cloth which was tied about 
the leg in which a bullet had become imbedded. 

In some way the wounded brave must have 
become separated from his fellows, and, while 
trying to get to his village alone, had fallen 
here through weakness caused by the loss of 
blood. 

He would have been dead by morning if 
some one had not found him,” declared Bob as 
he started to cleanse the wound as well as pos- 
sible just then, meaning to repeat the operation 
when he could have warm water in plenty. 

Those beady eyes followed each gentle ac- 


128 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


tion with perplexity that gradually grew into 
confidence. Blue Jacket was learning a new 
lesson in warfare. His savage conception of 
how a fallen enemy should be treated had re- 
ceived a rude jolt. 

Here, Sandy, said the young surgeon, 
presently, take hold of his feet, and we will 
carry him over to where we expect to camp 
on the site of the coming settlement. The poor 
fellow shall not die if I can help it. You found 
him, and he belongs to us. Remember that, if 
anybody wants to do him an injury. Pat will 
stand by us, I^m sure; and mother must, for 
has she not always told us we should do good 
even to them that persecute us. Now, gently, 
Sandy. An Indian can sutler, if he does refuse 
to show it. ’ ’ 


CHAPTER XIII 


BLUE JACKET 

How will this place do? ” asked Bob, com- 
ing to a halt, and the boys gently lowered their 
burden to the ground. 

Just the place where I’d like to see our 
cabin raised, with that fine view of the river 
up and down,” declared the other, enthusias- 
tically. 

And that is why I chose it,” answered Bob 
with a smile. ‘ ‘ If we are already at work here, 
father and mother will naturally come along 
to us, and the thing is done without any 
fuss.” 

The young Indian had not said a single word 
since making the assertion that his name was 
Blue Jacket, and that he was a brave, not a 
boy. 

Those keen black eyes had observed all that 
the Armstrong lads did with an ever-increasing 
knowledge of what it meant. There was some- 
thing in their manner of handling him that 
129 


130 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


spoke louder than words to the wild heart of 
this child of the forest; and already he had 
begun to feel confidence in them. 

Now, start a blaze as soon as you like, 
Sandy. By the time they get here the fire will 
be good and hot, so that water will heat in a 

They had made the wounded Indian as com- 
fortable as possible; and he lay there, appar- 
ently content to watch them work. Possibly he 
expected that, when the white men, against 
whom his hand had so recently been raised, 
should arrive on the scene, his fate must be a 
matter of minutes; but an Indian never shows 
emotion, and fear, in his eyes, is the symptom 
of a coward. 

Sandy immediately gathered some wood. He 
had had long experience in making fires, and 
gloried in the opportunity to show his skill. 

There, how does that look? he demanded 
presently, when, after having used his flint and 
steel with good results, the flying sparks 
quickly caught in the dry tinder, and flames 
began to creep up amidst the gathered wood. 

As fine as the finest, returned his brother, 
who knew Sandy’s weakness, and never let a 
chance to cater to it pass by; and unless my 


BLUE JACKET 


131 


ears deceive me I think I heard voices just then 
up-river. ’ ’ 

‘‘You are right, brother,'’ declared the 
younger lad, pointing; “ for there they come, 
with Pat O’Mara, bless his heart, at the head 
of the line. ’ ’ 

The wounded Indian never even started, and 
yet a quiver of alarm must certainly have 
passed through his agonized frame. He simply 
turned his gaze toward the setting sun, as 
though, if the worst came, he wished to feast 
his eyes for the last time on that glorious spec- 
tacle. For the clouds floating in space had 
begun to take on a most gorgeous tint, as though 
the mysterious unknown country beyond might 
be putting on a holiday dress to welcome him 
to the Happy Hunting Grounds of the red 
man. 

Then the long line of horses and pioneers ar- 
rived on the spot that had been picked out by 
Colonel Boone as the prettiest site for a settle- 
ment he knew of along the upper Ohio. 

Various exclamations of rapture and delight 
broke forth. The magical beauty of the scene 
overpowered all alike. Men and women stood 
there, drinking in the river view as seen in the 
fading light of the sun ; and, when they turned 


132 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


to exchange sentiments, they were unanimously 
favorable. 

‘‘ It is Paradise ! cried one woman, who had 
sutfered greatly during the long pilgrimage 
across mountains and wilderness. 

Pat O’Mara was the happiest of the whole 
group. He did not expect to put up a cabin 
home, for his nature compelled him to be a 
rover; but, since he had guided these pioneers 
along the way into the Promised Land, nat- 
urally he felt elated because they were thrilled 
and pleased with their new homeland. 

And then again, Pat had the greatest admira- 
tion for that chief of pioneers, Daniel Boone, 
who had selected this site as the proper spot 
for a future white man’s town. 

Now, plase lave all thot till another day,” 
he called out, presently; and pay attintion 
till the juties av the hour. Sure, they be fires 
to sthart, fuel to chop, and some protiction to 
be made aginst an attack av the rids. To worrk 
thin, iverybody! ” 

Seeing their two boys standing at a certain 
point, David Armstrong, his good wife, and 
Kate, leading the two horses, made toward 
them. From the fact that there was already 
quite a heap of firewood piled up they took it 


BLUE JACKET 


133 


for granted that Bob wished them to camp 
on that particular spot for some reason or 
other. 

Suddenly Kate gave utterance to a bubbling 
cry of alarm. 

What is it! demanded her father, start- 
led, since he could only imagine that the young 
girl might have turned her ankle at just the 
last stage of their long journey. 

Look behind the boys, father! An In- 
dian! she exclaimed, pointing a trembling 
finger toward Bob. 

David, too, discovered the form just at that 
moment, and was also visibly disturbed. But 
he noticed that both boys were showing not the 
least sign of any alarm, and from that under- 
stood there could be no danger. 

Perhaps, also, his renewed confidence arose 
from the fact that the Indian was. lying on his 
back, and not in the act of creeping forward, 
as if intent on sinking his tomahawk into the 
bodies of the lads. 

What is this. Bob, Sandy? he asked, as 
he stood over the form of the Shawanee, who 
met his gaze without a flicker of emotion. 

We found the poor fellow near by, father. 
He is wounded, and was slowly bleeding to 


134 TJIE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


death/’ said Bob hastily, and not a little anx- 
iously. 

And Bob couldn’t keep from helping him; 
you know his failing, father. What we want 
now is a kettle in which to heat some water,” 
remarked Sandy, making a movement to secure 
the implement he had in mind, and which, in 
company with other cooking utensils, dangled 
from the back of the leading horse. 

Stop! what is this you mean to do? ” 
asked David Armstrong uneasily. 

Save the poor fellow’s life, perhaps. He 
has an even chance if I can cleanse that iigly 
wound,” replied Bob, meeting his father’s eye 
steadily. 

But he must have been one of those sav- 
ages who tried to rush our camp night before 
last; the wound is from one of our own bul- 
lets! ” David went on, shaking his head, as 
though he did not wholly believe it right they 
should nurse a viper only to have him sting 
them. 

Bob looked appealingly at his mother. Well 
he knew where to go for backing in a case like 
this ; nor did he make any mistake. 

David, for shame! Would you let the poor 
boy die, even though his skin be different from 


BLUE JACKET 


135 


ours? Do we learn this in the Good Book? 
Is it not written that we bind up the hurts of 
our enemies, and thus cover their heads with 
ashes of reproach? What if it were one of our 
dear lads, in an Indian village — would you 
wish him to be treated like a dog? We have 
come here to live, and it becomes us to set a 
Christian example to these poor heathen. ’ ’ 

David Armstrong was far from being a hard 
man at heart. Like most of the early pioneers 
he had imbibed strong ideas concerning the 
heroic measures necessary to hold their own 
against the grievous perils that menaced them 
or every side. And, doubtless, he, in common 
with most of the men in the ranks of those who 
invaded the wilderness, believed that the only 
good Indian was a dead Indian.’’ But, as 
always, he was dominated by the sweet influ- 
ence of his gentle wife. 

Boys, your mother knows best,” he said, 
presently ; ‘ ^ and it is better that you take pat- 
tern from her, than follow in my footsteps. 

’ Do what you think is right, and we will hope 
no evil follows.” 

Of course the young Indian had listened to 
all this talk closely. He might not understand 
what sentiment influenced the wife and mother ; 


136 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


but he could see the noble pity that shone in 
her eyes as she bent above him. 

Still, not by the slightest expression did he 
betray any satisfaction that may have passed 
through his heart at the knowledge that he was 
not to be ruthlessly put to death as he had an- 
ticipated. That would have ill become a war- 
rior, which, boy though he seemed to be, he had 
so proudly proclaimed himself. 

Meanwhile Sandy made his way down to the 
edge of the flowing river and filled his kettle 
with water which he placed upon the stones 
composing the rude but effective fireplace. It 
would only take five or ten minutes to heat this 
sufficiently for the purpose of the amateur sur- 
geon. 

David busied himself relieving the animals 
of their several loads, in which both Bob and 
Kate .assisted. Rude shelters in the shape of 
tents would have to serve them for the present, 
until cabins could be provided ; but, ere another 
sun set, the chances were that several houses 
would be started, for these pioneers were quick 
workers, once they set their shoulders to any- 
thing. 

Bob knew that no time should be lost in wash- 
ing that inflamed wound, and applying some of 


BLUE JACKET 


137 


the wholesome soothing lotion which his mother 
prided herself in making. Well he knew its 
wonderful properties in a case of this kind, and 
he believed that it would allay the dangerous 
stage of that injury as nothing else might, 
hence his desire to make haste in applying it. 
The others could in the meantime be erecting 
the tent and gathering their scanty household 
goods under its friendly shelter. 

When he found the water warm enough for 
his purpose he went to work. Most of the pio- 
neers were too busily engaged just then in set- 
tling on locations for the night to bother hang- 
ing around to see what occupied the attention 
of the Armstrong lads; but, of course, the 
smaller children quickly discovered the pres- 
ence of a real Indian in the camp, and the news 
speedily circulated around. 

Pat O’Mara himself came over to assist his 
particular friends, and when he saw what task 
was being done his eyes opened round with 
wonder. 

^ ‘ Begorra ! an ’ is it a horsepital ye Ve 
stharted already. Bob? he asked, as he leaned 
over to look, and then started at seeing a cop- 
per-colored face with a pair of snapping black 
eyes fastened defiantly on his own counte- 


138 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


nance. ‘‘ Phat! a ridskin it is ye are af~ 
ther havin’ here? Sure, it’s the first toime 
I iver saw a white lad nurse a sick Injun 
bye! ” 

When the prospect of death itself could not 
induce the Shawanee to show signs of emotion, 
this likening him to a youth, as in the previous 
instance, seemed to arouse him. An Indian 
hates above all things to be called a squaw 
or a child. He sat up,- despite the restrain- 
ing hand of Bob, and smote himself proudly 
on the chest, once again exclaiming an- 
grily : 

‘‘Blue Jacket, him no boy — warrior — big 
brave, ugh! ” 

“Well,” remarked Pat with a quizzical smile, 
“ I reckons as how what ye sez is all quite 
thrue. Blue Jacket. And if so be this foine lad 
chooses to coddle yees back to loife agin, phat 
business is it av ours? On’y it sames till me 
’tis a great waste av toime an’ liniment. But, 
Bob, look out ye don’t lose yer patient, 
lad.” 

“ Lose him, Pat? ” echoed the other, pausing 
in the act of binding up the limb, after having 
used the precious, magical ointment given to 
him by his mother. “ What can you mean? I 


BLUE JACKET 


139 


feel sure he’ll come around all right. He’s 
young, and with good blood in his veins. Surely 
the chances are ten to one — ’ ’ 

Bob stopped right there. Suddenly he com- 
prehended what the kindly Irish trapper meant, 
when he spoke in that way. Following the 
meaning look of the other he saw that a man 
was hurriedly approaching them. He carried 
a gun in his hand, and there was an ugly ex- 
pression on his bearded face. 

This man was a pioneer named Brady. He 
had come from the section of Carolina where 
the Boone family had lived, and was meaning 
to hew himself a new home in the great western 
wilderness. 

Anthony Brady was the father of a family, 
and a fair sample of the early pioneer, but he 
hated Indians above all living things, looking 
upon them as only fit to be shot and hewed down 
whenever possible. 

Bob knew that Anthony had had a brother 
dangerously wounded in that warm engagement 
when the Shawanees attempted to carry the 
camp. This must have aggravated Brady’s 
already bitter feeling for the red men, and, 
hearing that the Armstrong boys were meaning 
to nurse one of the wounded foemen back to 


140 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


life, he was filled with rage that such a thing 
should ever be allowed. 

And Bob felt that Blue Jacket was in more 
peril right then than when he lay on the ground, 
weakened by his wound, and left to perish. 


CHAPTEE XIV 


A NEW HOME IN THE WILDEENESS 

Sandy! ’’ 

The younger lad heard his name called and, 
looking up, caught the beckoning finger of his 
brother. One look told him what was threaten- 
ing, for the face of the advancing settler be- 
trayed the ugly thoughts that filled his mind. 

Sandy immediately sprang over to join 
forces with his brother, for whatever Bob did 
was right, in his mind, and he stood ready to 
back him up to the end. 

What does all this foolishness mean? ” de- 
manded the tall pioneer as he came to where 
Bob was still kneeling beside his patient, with 
the bandage just secured by a strip of narrow 
linen which his mother was never without, since 
every housewife in those days had to be ready 
for emergencies. 

Bob did not answer. He waited until Mr. 
Brady saw the young Indian, who met the 
angry glare in the settler’s eyes with a defiant 
look. Blue Jacket even hastened to sit up, and 

141 


142 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


fold Ms sinewy arms across Ms chest. It was 
the attitude which he conceived a true warrior 
ought to assume when ready to chant his death 
song, and laugh at Fate. 

'' An Injun! roared the furious man, ma- 
king a threatening movement with his long 
musket. They told me so, but I couldn’t 
hardly believe it. A red viper in our camp, to 
be nursed back to life so that he can bring 
his fellows down on us some fine night, and 
scalp the whole company. We’ll soon settle 
that! ” 

Hold on, Mr. Brady,” said Bob calmly. 

What do you mean to do? ” 

He had placed himself in front of the 
wounded Indian, shielding his painted body 
with his own. Sandy stood close at hand, ready 
to clutch the arm of the infuriated man should 
he dare venture to extremes. And Mr. Arm- 
strong came hurrying up, urged on by Ms 
alarmed wife. 

‘‘ Shoot the snake as he deserves, if you must 
know ! ’ ’ shouted the man, who had worked him- 
self up into a condition bordering on hysteria. 
‘ ^ Who knows hut what it was him that wounded 
my poor brother, Caleb! One Injun more or 
less can never matter much, anyway. So stand 


A NEW HOME IN THE WILDERNESS 143 


aside, Bob Armstrong, and let me put him out 
of his misery, like you would a mad dog. ^ ’ 

But he greatly mistook the temper of Bob, 
if he thought that threats like this could have 
any influence over him. On the contrary the 
young pioneer only spread himself more 
squarely in front of his helpless charge. 

No, you shall not hurt him, Mr. Brady. 
Sandy and I found him, and he belongs to us. 
Pat O’Mara is still in charge of this company, 
and he has told us we could do what we wanted 
with him. Besides, he is only one lone Indian, 
and can do us no harm. Perhaps, if we help 
him now, he may not forget it some time in 
the future. For we are come here to stay al- 
ways, and his people belong here.’’ 

The man dared not attempt to fire while Boh 
thus interposed his body between; besides, he 
had a healthy respect for the redoubtable Irish 
trapper. 

Is that true, O’Mara? ” he demanded. 

Have you given these foolish lads permission 
to keep this varmint alive when he’s better off 
if dispatched? ” 

‘ ‘ ’Tis a fact that they prejudiced me in favor 
av thot same ijee, aven though I was opposed to 
the same in the sthart,” responded the genial 


144 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Pat, winking at Sandy while he spoke. ‘‘ And 
p’raps it’s best thot ye do be mindin’ yer own 
business, Mr. Brady, meanin’ no offence at 
all.” 

And,” said David, laying a heavy hand on 
the other’s shoulder, ‘‘ they have the approval 
of both their mother and myself, Brady, so 
please pay no more attention to what we are 
doing here. The redskin will be able to travel 
in a few days. Perhaps he may take a message 
to his people from us, and be the means of 
bringing about a lasting truce — who knows? 
At all events he is going to be doctored by Rob- 
ert, and no one will lay a finger on him without 
accounting to me ! ” 

Anthony Brady was no fool, though doubt- 
less a most impulsive man. He knew that the 
conditions were most unfavorable for a con- 
tinuance of the argument, so, shrugging his 
broad shoulders, and with a last scowl at the 
impassive face of the young Shawanee brave, 
he turned on his heel in disgust. 

‘‘ Well, have your way, Armstrong,” he said, 
moodily. But, if I happen to run across this 
young savage in the forest, he will never return 
to his people to tattle about our weakness.” 

And if you attempt any treachery, Brady, 


A NEW HOME IN THE WILDERNESS 145 


you will answer to me for it, remember,’’ de- 
clared David, sternly. 

‘ ‘ An ’ to me, by the pipers ! ’ ’ echoed 0 ’Mara, 
shaking his head aggressively. 

Have no fear as long as he is in your 
charge, neighbor, for I am not the man to stir 
up strife over one wretched Injun; but, after 
he leaves you the case is different, and he can 
be safely potted by any white with a ready 
gun,” and with this dark threat Brady stalked 
away. 

And the one who had been the cause for all 
this excitement did not utter a single word to 
show that he understood what a world of grati- 
tude he owed to the two boys. But there was 
a look of intelligence in his face. He under- 
stood, and would not forget. 

The night was now gathering around them. 
Fires had been started, and every soul in the 
new settlement seemed to be busily engaged. 

Already had the Armstrong tent been raised, 
and things were assuming rather a cheery look 
around them. And, while they worked, many 
times did the eyes of those pioneers wander 
down to the placid surface of that broad and 
swift river, concerning which they had heard 
such extravagant tales. 


146 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Supper was presently ready. It consisted of 
the simplest of fare, for luxuries were utterly 
unknown among these early settlers along the 
Ohio; but there was plenty and to spare, and 
their good wives knew how to cook it in an 
appetizing manner. 

Nor was" the young Indian forgotten. He 
sat up and ate in silence. Not one word did 
he speak to express any gratitude, save when 
he was through, and ready to lie back again, at 
which time he gave a grunt, and remarked: 

Ugh! good ! 

I guess he doesn’t know much English,” 
observed Sandy, chuckling. 

That may be,” replied his brother; ‘‘ but 
I ’ve heard Pat say that these Indians never tell 
what they think. I reckon he feels it all right, 
for I can see something in those snapping black 
eyes of his that tells me so every time he looks 
at either of us.” 

Yes, and you in particular. Bob,” declared 
Sandy; ‘‘ because he just can’t understand 
why you treat him so fine, when he expected to 
be knocked on the head, like we do a lynx or 
a fox we find in our traps.” 

The customary precautions were taken that 
night to guard against a surprise. The gloomy 


A NEW HOME IN THE WILDERNESS 147 


mysterious forest surrounded them on every 
side save the river, and who could say what 
terrible perils it concealed? Here roved fierce 
beasts of prey, the bear, the panther, and the 
wolf, besides possibly other species of animals 
the nature of which they did not know. 

But still more to be feared ten times over 
were those dusky hordes of savages, whose 
country they had invaded, if not with hostile 
intent, at least meaning to take it for the use 
of the white man. 

But there was no night alarm. Doubtless 
more than one among the women trembled as 
she lay awake during that first night on the 
bank of the Ohio, and listened to various sounds 
from the forest that might not be familiar to 
her ears, and which her fears magnified into 
signals exchanged between different parties of 
prowling Indians waiting for a chance to attack 
the intruders. 

But morning dawned, bright and rosy, and 
all was well. 

Bob had slept close to where his patient lay 
on a spare blanket. He entertained some anxi- 
ety lest Brady, or another of the same stripe, 
might deem it a duty to creep up in the dark- 
ness and finish the wounded Indian. Perhaps 


148 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


lie did the man an injustice in suspecting any- 
thing of the sort; but Bob had inherited his 
forefathers’ Scotch caution. 

All was soon animation. While the women 
prepared breakfast the hardy men selected the 
sites upon which they expected to begin erect- 
ing their future cabin homes. 

The Armstrongs were able to retain posses- 
sion of the spot which had so pleased the boys, 
and David had even marked the dimensions of 
his new home upon the rich soil; after which 
he took his axe and started to hew down a tree 
that interfered with the raising of the cabin. 

Every soul in camp had plenty to do that 
wonderful day. The men worked early and 
late, assisting each other with the heavier labor 
of lifting the logs, after they had been properly 
hewn to fit. Even Pat swung a spare blade with 
more or less skill, for he intended to stay about 
until he had seen his good friends snugly in- 
stalled in their new home. 

The wounded Indian seemed to be getting 
along splendidly. His was a tough constitution, 
and able to withstand a shock that would have 
easily been fatal to one less accustomed to' pri- 
vations and hardships. 

He passed a few words with Bob now, though 


A NEW HOME IN THE WILDERNESS 149 


his accomplishments in the line of English 
seemed limited. Indeed, it was a mystery 
where he had ever picked up what he did know ; 
though later on Bob discovered that there had 
been a white woman taken prisoner by his tribe 
a year or two previous, and that before she died 
from some fever she had taken especial interest 
in young Blue Jacket, for some reason or other, 
teaching him many things. 

When again night closed around the new set- 
tlement there were a dozen cabins in process of 
being erected. If the good work kept up, more 
than one might have a roof completed by an- 
other sunset. 

A feeling of contentment reigned. Every one 
seemed delighted with the location, and ex- 
pressed a feeling of gratitude toward Colonel 
Boone, in that he had guided them to this place, 
rather than allowed them to settle elsewhere 
further up the river. 

And, when another day was spent, the Arm- 
strong cabin was among the three that had the 
roof completed, so that they could actually 
move their belongings inside, and feel as though 
their period of pilgrimage were at an end, since 
once more they had a place to call home. 

Trust that wife and mother to quickly add 


150 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


the delicate little touches that would give it the 
familiar air to which all of them were accus- 
tomed. It was commodious enough to allow of 
the wounded Indian ’s being carried within, 
which task was performed by the two boys, as- 
sisted by David himself ; and the little mother 
superintended the job of making him comfort- 
able. 

He was improving rapidly, and Bob knew 
that it would not be many days before his pa- 
tient would be able to walk, for the wound had 
started to heal in a magical way. 

Though Blue Jacket said little, he watched 
all the while. Not a thing went on but that 
those beady black eyes saw it. 

I wonder what he thinks of it all,’’ Mrs. 
Armstrong said several times, as she noticed 
how he followed her around with his gaze, while 
she was engaged in some of her household du- 
ties. 

I only hope he appreciates what you are 
doing for him enough not to bring any of his 
friends down on us some fine night,” said 
David, who was only half reconciled to this 
state of affairs, and had little use for the cop- 
per-colored sons of the wilderness. 

As the days passed on, and there was no 


A NEW HOME IN THE WILDERNESS 151 


alarm of any kind, the new settlers found rea- 
son to hope that the Indians, having been taught 
a severe lesson in that battle of the night, meant 
to leave them alone. 

Niver belave thot,’^ said the wise O’Mara, 
when he heard this opinion expressed, they 
do be the most treacherous av varmints. ’Tis 
the lot av thim wud lull yees to slape, an’ then 
take yees be surprise. Watch always, me 
friends ! Kape wun eye open whin yees slape ! 
An’ niver, niver go away from home widout a 
gun an’ plenty av powder an’ ball. Faith, I 
wudn’t giv sixpence for the life av the man as 
niglected the proper precautions whin dalin’ 
wid ridskins. ’ ’ 

More than a whole week had now gone since 
the little company of daring souls came to a 
halt in this chosen spot ; and then, one morning, 
there fell in the midst of the Armstrong family 
an unexpected shock that took every one by 
surprise. 


CHAPTER XV 


THE SUDDEN PEKHj 

‘ ^ Oh ! he ’s gone ! ’ ’ 

Bob littered these words one morning just 
after daybreak. Being the first to awaken, he 
had thought to start the fire so that his mother 
might prepare an early breakfast, since all of 
them were so full of business. 

For he and Sandy had planned to go into the 
woods that day, hoping to secure a deer, since 
the stock of provisions was growing low. 

‘‘ What ails you. Bob? ” grunted Sandy, as 
he sat up on his blanket and dug his knuckles 
into a pair of heavy eyes. 

‘ ‘ Blue J acket — he ^s disappeared ! ” ex- 
claimed the other, still looking as though he 
could not just grasp the fact that was so ap- 
parent. 

Whereupon Sandy sprang up and stared at 
the corner where the wounded Indian had been 
accustomed to lying. The blanket was there, 
but no Blue J acket ! 

“ What can have happened to him. Bob? ” 
152 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


153 


exclaimed the younger boy, staring at his 
brother. ‘‘You don’t think that ugly Anthony 
Brady did it? Oh! he surely could not have 
dragged him away to do him harm! ” 

“ Well, hardly,” said the wiser Bob, with a 
negative shake of the head ; ‘ ‘ because you see, 
Sandy, I was sleeping not five feet away from 
him all night, and you know I am not a hard 
sleeper. They couldn ’t have dragged him away 
and I not know it. ’ ’ 

“ But what do you think happened! ” que- 
ried the puzzled Sandy. 

“ Blue Jacket crept away while we slept. He 
believed he was well enough to make the jour- 
ney to his village home,” Boh went on saying, 
just as though he understood it all perfectly 
now. 

“ And without saying good-bye to any of us! 
Did you ever hear of such ingratitude! ” ex- 
claimed the other, throwing up both hands in 
disgust. 

“ Wait. You do not know. Pat is still in 
the settlement, and we can ask him what he 
thinks about it. Anyhow, Indians are queer 
fish. They never do things the same way we 
do; ” and Bob smiled at the angry look on his 
brother’s face. 


154 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


‘‘ But if he wanted to go home why didn’t 
he tell us, and say good-bye in the right sort 
of way, instead of sneaking ofP like a sly 
mink? ” Sandy kept on saying. 

‘‘ Listen, and I’ll tell you what I think. You 
know what Mr. Brady said about his meaning 
to shoot an Indian every time he saw one in the 
woods? Blue Jacket heard that, and he must 
have understood what it meant.” 

“ Of course he did, for I saw him watching 
Mr. Brady,” Sandy admitted. 

“ Well,” said Bob, you see, he believed 
that man was on the watch for the time he 
would leave us. Now you and I understand 
Brady has changed his mind a little about all 
Indians being bad. But Blue Jacket didn’t 
know that. No doubt he suspected that, if he 
went away in the daytime, some one would slip 
after him and lay him low. And so he deter- 
mined to go while we were asleep. What do 
you think of my guess now, Sandy? ” 

“ It sounds all right,” declared Sandy, en- 
thusiastically; yes, I’d wager a shilling that 
you have struck the truth. Bob. It takes you 
to see through things. But here is father; let 
us put it up to him.” 

Mr. Armstrong, upon hearing what had hap- 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


155 


pened, immediately declared that the young 
Shawanee must have considered it the part of 
wisdom to slip away unnoticed while the settle- 
ment was wrapped in peaceful slumber. 

Go out and ask the sentinels whether any 
of them saw him,’’ he said to the two boys; 

but I wager you will find that nobody knows 
the first thing about him. ’ ’ 

This proved to be the case, for, although the 
young pioneers made the rounds of the men 
who had been on guard duty during the entire 
night, in no quarter could they learn that a 
single flitting figure had really been seen. 

One man had believed he saw something, but 
reached the conclusion, after an investigation, 
that it had only been a prowling raccoon or an 
opossum, both of which animals were to be 
found in plenty near the new settlement. 

On the way back they ran across the genial 
Irish trapper. He was oiling some of his traps, 
as though ready to put them away until another 
season. 

^ ‘ The ridskin gone, is it, me byes ? ” he ; ob- 
served, after Sandy had told him why they were 
going around asking questions. Well, upon 
me honor I’m not wan bit surprised, knowin’ 
the sly ways av the animal so well. But, by yer 


156 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO* 


lave, I’ll go wid yees till the home, an’ say if 
the ungrateful skunk had the good manners to 
lave a sign to till what he thought. ’ ’ 

So it was Pat’s eyes that discovered some- 
thing fastened to a crevice between two of the 
logs, as yet unfilled by mud. It seemed to be 
a bit of inner bark which Blue Jacket must have 
obtained possession of recently, after he was 
able to limp around the interior of the new 
cabin, and even venture outside a little way. 

Upon this he had scratched various rude 
signs. To the ignorant boys they looked like 
the crude work of a little child attempting to 
draw a pig, and some other domestic animals; 
but with Pat O’Mara it was different. Every 
little mark had a meaning of its own in his 
experienced eyes, for he had seen much of this 
Indian picture writing. 

Sure, ’tis just what I thought, byes,” he 
declared, as he scanned this piece of bark with 
its cipher message. He knowed wan av us 
min would be able to rade this missage. ’ ’ 

But what does it say, Pat? ” demanded the 
impatient Sandy. 

In so many worrds thin,” began the other, 
wrinkling his brows, ‘ ' that he will niver, niver 
forgit what yees have done for him; and that 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


157 


some day perhaps he may have a chanct to re- 
pay ye for it all. Begorra, afther all the rid 
sarpint did have some falin^ in him! I takes 
back all I iver sed aginst the lad. Who knows 
but thot this may be the interin’ wedge whereby 
we may make a treaty av pace wid the bloody 
Injuns? ” 

Both boys were sorry that Blue Jacket was 
gone. Boh in particular had begun to feel quite 
drawn to the young Indian. Of late they had 
spent considerable time trying to converse. The 
Shawanee had told him more or less about his 
tribe, and in turn had learned that the motives 
of the invading whites were not at all warlike, 
if they were only let alone. 

The axes sounded through the livelong day, 
as the settlers continued to clear away the 
woods which shut them in so closely. The fur- 
ther the fringe of nearest trees could be moved 
back, the freer would they breathe; for it 
seemed as though enemies must ever be lurk- 
ing in the gloomy depths of the dense for- 
est. 

Fish were taken from the river with the ut- 
most ease, and furnished many a fine meal, 
though many of them were of a species utterly 
unknown to any of the settlers. Blue Jacket 


158 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


had said they were good to eat, however, and 
so they had been found on testing them. 

The cabins continued to arise, as it were, in 
a night. In this duty the new settlers always 
assisted one another when the time came for 
the log raising, since what was the interest of 
one must ever be the interest of all. 

As fast as the trees were cut down, the virgin 
soil was turned over, rich as it. was in valuable 
leaf mold, and some of the seeds, so carefully 
hoarded during the long journey from their 
Virginia starting place, were planted. 

It was wonderful what rapid changes took 
place in that favored spot. Every sunset saw 
new cabins being topped with such rude shin- 
gles as the newcomers could hew from the tim- 
ber which was so plentiful. No sooner was a 
cabin finished than the fortunate family would 
move in. Little they cared that there was not 
a piece of furniture awaiting them; and that 
tables and seats would all have to be made. A 
sound roof over their heads in case of storm 
was the main thing; besides, no doubt the 
women naturally felt safer behind stout walls, 
rather than settled in tents, or make-shift shel- 
ters of branches. They could not easily forget 
the terrors of that awful night when the In- 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


159 


dians had attacked the camp, and looked ea- 
gerly forward to the day when the entire set- 
tlement might have a strong blockhouse where 
all could fine safety in case of sudden need. 

Then, by degrees, came the work of making 
things more comfortable for the women. 
Nearly every man could use fairly well the 
primitive tools of the day ; and where this skill 
were lacking he might exchange his abilities in 
some other line with a more accomplished 
neighbor, so that the necessary deal table, and 
the benches, as well as bunks, or rude beds, for 
sleeping, were secured. 

Certain of the members of the little com- 
munity were given other tasks. Food had to 
he secured, and fortunately there was no lack, 
with the adjacent river to supply plenty of 
fresh fish for the taking, and the bountiful store 
of game awaiting the coming of the marksman. 

Thus, in a very brief space of time, things 
began to take on a homelike appearance. Out- 
door cooking might still be indulged in to a 
great extent; hut there would also be times 
when the tempting venison roast would again 
be made ready for the table by the turning of 
the familiar spit over a fire of red ashes on the 
big hearth. 


160 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


These hardy pioneers seldom had need of 
medicine, such was their active life, and plain 
wholesome fare; nevertheless, every family al- 
ways kept a store of certain dried herbs used 
for fevers and other ailments. As a rule acci- 
dents alone required medical care; but there 
was always some woman in a settlement more 
highly favored than her companions in knowl- 
edge of nursing; and to her they looked in 
times of need. 

Many of their cooking utensils they made 
themselves out of clay, which was baked after 
a rude fashion, just as the Indians did. These 
vessels, while not very fine looking, answered 
most admirably the purposes to which they 
were put, and many of them have been handed 
down to the descendants of these early Ohio 
settlers, to be treasured with due reverence. 

Salt they could obtain readily enough. In 
Kentucky and Ohio in these days there were 
what were called salt licks,” because deer 
and buffalo frequented the places in order to 
gratify their longing for this almost indis- 
pensable commodity. Here they were able to 
secure with little effort whatever quantity of 
salt was needed. 

Bob and Sandy were always on the lookout 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


161 


for such ‘‘ licks. They knew from Daniel 
Boone and O’Mara that, whenever they wanted 
deer, it was simplest to hide close to one of 
these salt licks, and wait until buck or doe came 
to gratify its craving ; when they could usually 
secure their game by a single shot. 

It might seem rather hard that the poor deer 
should be taken advantage of in this way; but 
these men of the border looked upon the stock- 
ing of the limitless forest with various kinds 
of game as a wise provision of Nature, intended 
primarily for their good while peopling the 
land, and extending civilization westward 
toward that wonderful river of which they 
never tired of talking, the Mississippi. 

David Armstrong had considered the situa- 
tion carefully before starting from Virginia on 
this long journey. He also talked it over with 
Pat O’Mara. Consequently he had utilized 
every bit of money he could lay hands on to 
purchase certain articles which the Irish trap- 
per assured him could be traded to the friendly 
Indians for their precious pelts of mink, fox, 
beaver, bear and other kinds of wild animals. 

The French traders had, up to now, monop- 
olized this business along the frontier all the 
way from the great inland seas, of which so 


162 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


little was known, down to the great province 
of Louisiana on the Gulf. They understood 
that their day would soon be brought to an end 
once the English invaded this vast territory; 
and consequently they were forever endeavor- 
ing to arouse the savages against Daniel Boone 
and those other hardy spirits who meant to 
chop out trails through the new country, and 
found a race of English-speaking settlers. 

Mr. Armstrong intended to become a trader. 
In this way he believed he might earn enough 
to support his little family; especially since he 
had two such industrious boys, who could do 
so much to help out by bringing in game in 
season, tilling the little garden around the new 
home, and making good use of the few rusty 
and cumbersome traps they had brought all the 
way from Virginia. 

In their hunts the boys had already learned 
that there was an apparently endless supply 
of small fur-hearing animals among the valleys 
within ten miles of their new home. 

Just think what great times we can have 
next winter, ’ ’ said Sandy, as they prepared for 
another jaunt into the timber, and this subject 
was brought up by the sight of Pat’s rusty 
traps hanging from a peg on the side of the 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


163 


inner wall ; for Pat was now ready to take one 
of his periodical lonely trips deeper into the 
unknown region further down the great river. 

Just then the Irish trapper himself came out 
from the inner room, where he had been saying 
good-bye to their mother. 

Sure it’s off I am, me byes,” he observed, 
as he held out a hand to each, while his humor- 
ous blue eyes twinkled as he strove to keep back 
the tear which tried desperately to break loose. 
^ ‘ Take good care av yersilves, now. And whist, 
lads; until the spring rains do be cornin’ to 
wit down the dead laves in the forest, it wud 
pay yees to be careful how ye set a fire goin’. 
Wanst caught in a forest fire was enough for 
me, thank ye. ’ ’ 

Why, of course we will, Pat,” said Bob, 
shaking the honest hand of the trapper warmly ; 

and we all hope you will be back this way 
before long.” 

And if you run across Colonel Boone,” re- 
marked Sandy, as I reckon you mean to, tell 
him how glad we are to be here.” 

To all of which Pat promised faithfully; 
after which he shouldered his long barrelled 
rifle, gave a hitch to his leather trousers, waved 
his hand to Kate, who was looking out of the 


164 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


window, lier pretty face bedewed with tears, 
and then, whistling merrily to hide his own emo- 
tion, he strode away. 

A minute later he waved to them from the 
border of the dense woods; then he was gone, 
and no one could say whether they would ever 
again look upon the genial face of the happy 
Irish trapper. For his life was one constant 
succession of perilous adventures amidst wild 
beasts and even wilder human beings, so that 
he actually held his existence in the hollow of 
his hand. 

Come on, let us make a start,” said Sandy, 
as impatient as ever. 

Presently the two lads found themselves 
tramping along through the woods, on the alert 
for any game worth wasting precious powder 
and lead upon. 

It had been quite mild of late, but to-day the 
wind had veered back into the old quarter 
where the ice king dwelt, and was growing 
stronger all the time. To the young hunters, 
however, the air was only invigorating, and 
gave tone to their efforts. 

Queer that we have seen nothing worth 
shooting up to now,” remarked Sandy, after 
they had been tramping a full hour. What 


THE SUDDEN PERIL 


165 


do you think is the matter, Bob? Can the In- 
dians be about, and have they frightened all the 
deer and buffalo away? ” 

Bob shook his head. 

‘‘ I was just wondering,’’ he said, if we 
made too much noise stalking through all these 
dead leaves. Did you ever see such a thick 
mass? And as dry as tinder, too. See, when 
the wind catches them up, how they whirl like 
mad. ’ ’ 

Goodness! ” remarked Sandy, remember- 
ing the caution of the trapper; wouldn’t it 
just be awful if they caught fire? We must be 
miles away from home, and could never reach 
it. What in the world would we do. Bob? ” 
Then, as he glanced up at his brother when 
asking this question, he discovered that Bob 
was standing there, sniffing the air suspiciously ! 
In the present excited condition of Sandy’s 
nerves that, of course, was enough to set him 
wild. 

What is it? You smell something — oh! 
Bob, please don’t tell me that it is smoke! ” 
he exclaimed, his voice trembling with sudden 
alarm. 

That is just what I do smell,” replied Bob, 
uneasily, though, seeing the distress of his 


166 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


brother, he immediately tried to laugh it off. 

But perhaps it comes from some campfire 
started by the Indians. How do we know but 
what we may be close to a village, since no one 
has ever come this way before? 

Now I get it,’^ cried Sandy, and. Bob, 
listen, what can that roaring sound mean ? Are 
we near the river, and is that a rapids of any 
sort? ’’ 

In spite of his bravery, and his desire not to 
frighten Sandy, Bob felt that his face turned 
pale, for he knew instinctively what that strange 
sound meant. 

Come, perhaps we had better turn around, 
and walk this way,^^ he said, suiting his action 
to the words. 

You know something, and you^re trying to 
keep it from me, brbther. That isnT fair. Tell 
me the worst. Bob ! That rushing sound up on 
the wind — does that mean the woods are on 
fire? 

That is just what it means, Sandy,’’ said 
the other, ‘ ‘ and we must run like mad now ! ’ ’ 


CHAPTEE XVI 


CHASED BY THE FLAMES 

‘ ‘ But this way is not the way home, Bob ! ’ ’ 
expostulated the younger lad, even as he clung 
close to the flying feet of his brother. 

True,’’ Boh flung over his shoulder, while 
he ran on; but it is away from the fire, and 
that must be enough for us now. Can you go 
any faster, Sandy? ” 

‘ ‘ I know what it is ! ” cried the other, his 
voice trembling under the great strain ; ‘ ^ you 
mean that the noise is getting louder all the 
while! Then the fire must be gaining on us! 
We will be caught ! ” 

Oh ! I do not say that,” and Boh fell hack a 
trifle so as to run alongside his companion; 
^ ‘ but it is certainly advancing very fast and fu- 
riously. This wild wind whips it along much 
quicker than any man can run.” 

Look! ” cried Sandy, suddenly, what is 
that over yonder? Surely it is a butfalo — two, 
three of them ! And see how they gallop along, 
167 


168 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


with their heads lowered, and the hot steam 
pouring from their nostrils! ’’ 

They smell the smoke and hear the noise,” 
Bob replied, speaking in jerks as he ran. 

Perhaps they may never have seen a fire be- 
fore, but they know what it means. And there 
goes a stag! Look at the tremendous leaps he 
is taking ! No danger of his being caught by the 
flames! ” 

Don’t I wish we could run as fast! What 
a pair of horns for this time of year! ” said 
Sandy, who knew that it was the season when 
stags lose their antlers, to be replaced with a 
new pair. 

Too bad we could not get one of those buf- 
falo,” observed Bob; but it would be wicked 
to kill the poor beast when we could never save 
the meat. Let them live to another day.” 

‘‘ Yes, we have all we want to do now, trying 
to save ourselves,” panted Sandy, who was not 
his brother’s equal in running, and was already 
beginning to show evident signs of exhaus- 
tion. 

Bob noticed this with increasing uneasiness. 

We can never get away by running,” he de- 
clared, as he shortened his pace; and Sandy 
hastened to do likewise, with evident relief. 


CHASED BY THE FLAMES 


169 


‘‘ Would it do to climb high up in a tree? ’’ 
the latter hazarded at a venture. 

Not at all, for we should be smothered mth 
the smoke, even if we managed to keep from be- 
ing cured like bacon. But I was thinking that if 
only we could run across a hollow tree we might 
find refuge in it,’’ said Bob, looking eagerly to 
the right and left. 

Already the smoke, driven ahead of the 
flames, was beginning to make objects indis- 
tinct around them. It burned their eyes, and 
caused a shortness of breath that was a sample 
of what it might be when the full force of the 
forest fire swept down upon them. 

‘‘ But suppose the tree caught fire, and 
burned,” said Sandy, in bewilderment; how 
could we save ourselves then? ” 

‘‘You don’t understand, Sandy,” returned 
the other, quickly. “ The trees will hardly 
burn at this season of the year, being full of 
sap. This fire is made up of all the dead leaves 
and ground stuff. It is fierce while it lasts ; but 
it burns out in a short time. All we need is 
some shelter that can hold out against that wall 
of flame coming down on us.” 

Something in his brother’s words caused 
Sandy to glance back just then. What the 


170 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


alarmed lad saw was a terrifying spectacle in- 
deed. The, fire was in sight, and coming on at 
headlong speed. 'The vast amount of dry ma- 
terial waiting to be snatched np by the leaping 
tongues of flame caused the fire to mount up- 
ward fully twenty feet in the air. 

“ It lies in both directions as far as I 
can see!’’ gasped Sandy, surprised at the 
extent of the conflagration that menaced 
them. 

Yes. I knew it, and that was why we could 
not get beyond the end of the line. That wind 
is something terrible. Look out for that herd 
of deer, brother ; they are heading straight for 
us, crazed with fear! ” 

Just in time did Bob whirl in his tracks and 
fire his gun, almost in the faces of the onrush- 
ing group of maddened animals, and this action 
caused them to veer, so that they passed by 
without doing injury. 

^ ^ Oh ! what a narrow escape ! ’ ’ cried Sandy, 
who had been almost paralyzed by the nature 
of the sudden peril confronting them. 

And now they saw all manner of frightened 
animals speeding away as fast as their legs 
could carry them. Besides, a flock of wild tur- 
keys sprang up with a furious whirring of 



THE FIRE WAS . . . COMING ON AT HEADLONG SPEED.” 




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CHASED BY THE FLAMES 


171 


wings, and were gone like magic. Partridges 
sailed past the two boys in coveys. Here a pair 
of red foxes fairly flashed by, making incredible 
speed. 

Everything seemed capable of getting out of 
the way of those greedy flames save the two 
young pioneers. It appeared at times to poor, 
impatient Sandy that they were having one of 
those ugly nightmares, where one^s feet are 
glued to the ground, and all the while the 
peril plunges along toward the wretched 
dreamer. 

If we could only find a cave of any kind, it 
might keep us from getting scorched! ’’ ven- 
tured Sandy presently, though he found he 
had to raise his voice considerably in order 
to be heard, so loud were those terrible 
noises that accompanied the rush of the fire 
wall. 

But there are none around here, for I have 
been looking,’’ answered Bob. 

I saw lots a while ago, all sorts of queer 
holes in the ground and rocks. Oh! don’t I 
wish we could find just one now! ” cried the 
other. 

‘ ^ Ha ! here is what we are looking for, a 
hollow tree trunk! ” Bob shouted, just at that 


172 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


moment, when hope had well nigh deserted poor 
Sandy. 

He dragged his brother over to the left, to 
where a rather large oak stood. 

I just happened to look back, and saw the 
opening. The tree is hollow, brother ! Push in, 
and try to close the opening all you can, so as to 
keep out the smoke! ’’ 

Almost before he knew what Bob was about, 
Sandy found himself shoved through the rather 
narrow opening. 

‘‘ But it is not big enough for two! We can 
never stay here. Bob. Help me out ! ’ ’ for all at 
once the lad realized what his brother meant 
to do. 

Did he not know only too well the self-sacri- 
ficing devotion of Bob? The other meant that 
he should find possible safety in this snug re- 
treat, while he took chances of discovering an- 
other hole in which to burrow. And if the fire 
rushed down upon him before this discovery 
could be made, what then? There would be 
only one of them go back to the new cabin in 
the clearing that looked out on the clear waters 
of the Ohio. 

“ Stay where you are, and do not move, on 
your life, or you will ruin all ! There is another 


CHASED BY THE FLAMES 


173 


hollow tree for me ! Remember mother, and do 
what I say! ’’ And, giving Sandy a last push, 
Bob darted away. 

Eagerly the boy, encased in the hollow tree, 
tried to follow his brother with his smarting 
eyes; but the smoke was growing very dense 
as well as pungent now, and he could hardly 
see at all for the tears that blinded him. So, 
not daring to disobey that last injunction on the 
part of Bob, whom he was accustomed to mind- 
ing, he could only press his back into the cleft, 
to shut out the choking smoke, and count the 
seconds as they passed. 

The fire was quickly all around him, and he 
could feel the fierce heat of the burning leaves. 
Fear for his own safety was almost entirely 
lost sight of in his anxiety concerning Bob. 
What if he had not been able to find a hiding- 
place after all, and was exposed to the full fury 
of that scorching blast! 

The very thought made Sandy feel weak. He 
groaned in anguish, and, from the very depths 
of his boyish heart, a prayer went up for the 
safety of the brother whom he loved so well. 

Meanwhile, what of Bob, who took his life in 
his hand, content to feel assured that at the 
worst Sandy would be saved? 


174 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


When Bob declared so vehemently that there 
was another hollow tree for him near by he 
said that of which he was by no means certain. 
He did this in order that Sandy might not push 
out from his refuge, and insist on sharing his 
fate. 

Of course he still had hopes that he might yet 
find some friendly shelter from the flames; 
and, as he rushed along, his eyes sought every 
tree he passed, hoping thus to discover an open- 
ing, into which he might crowd himself, and 
bid the flames defiance. 

But the precious seconds were passing, and, 
as yet, he had found no shelter. 

Twice had he caught sight of what seemed a 
chance; but upon rushing up to the tree, his 
heart beating high with anticipation, it was 
only to discover that the split was not nearly 
large enough to allow of the passage of his 
body, and seconds were too valuable just then 
to dream of trying to slash at the wood with his 
sharp hunting knife in the hope of enlarging 
the opening. 

Long before he could do this the threatening 
billow of fire must have reached the spot, and 
passed over him, so, in despair, he rushed 
along, his eyes now even scanning the 


CHASED BY THE FLAMES 


175 


ground for some log behind which he might 
crawl. 

Oh! ’’ cried Bob suddenly, as his glance 
caught a dark opening in a half-dead tree 
trunk. 

It was some little distance from the ground, 
possibly ten feet or more, but as a few limbs 
remained on the decayed forest monarch, once 
blasted by a wind-storm while in its prime, he 
believed he might readily reach the friendly 
crevice ere the flames took hold upon his buck- 
skin garments. 

Bob was almost exhausted from his violent 
exertions ; but he certainly gave no evidence of 
the fact, to judge from the way in which he ran 
to that tree and commenced to clamber into the 
lower branches. 

Burning leaves were already being swept 
past him on the breath of the wind, to drop into 
new magazines of dry tinder, and start addi- 
tional fires ahead of the main blaze. 

Madly did he climb upward, and never would 
he forget the sight that met his eyes while ma- 
king for that promised haven of refuge. As far 
as he could see, both to the east and to the west, 
that bank of leaping roaring flame held sway. 
Once Bob had been taken down to the sea by 


176 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


his father, and he had never forgotten how the 
great waves came sweeping resistlessly on, to 
break with a crash on the shore. So, in his 
mind, appeared those enrolling billows of fire. 

He could hardly breathe now. That was be- 
cause of the heat and smoke combined. A great 
fear possessed him that perhaps after he had 
reached this dark cleft in the tree he might find 
it utterly impossible to push his way past the 
guarding portals. In that case all was lost, and 
he need not even mind dropping back to the 
ground, for the end would find him where he 
was. 

But at least that fear was quickly laid to rest. 

‘ ^ It’s plenty big enough ! ” he cried aloud in 
his new delight, for the opening was now only 
a couple of feet away from his hands. 

After that all he had to do was to cram his 
body through the hole, and find the shelter he 
craved. 

‘ ‘ Hurrah ! ’ ’ 

Somehow he could not help giving vent to 
that boyish shout at the prospect of cheating 
the fire out of its anticipated prey, although 
he really had little breath to spare just then. 
He even fixed it in his mind just how he must 
first of all thrust his lower limbs through the 


CHASED BY THE FLAMES 


177 


opening, and then allow himself to slide down- 
wards, for he could already see that the hole 
extended toward the earth. 

It was not the first time Bob Armstrong 
found his nice little calculations upset by cir- 
cumstances utterly beyond his control. Per- 
haps it would not be the last, either, since he 
expected to spend the major portion of his life 
roving the wilderness, in search of game, and 
in such labor as became a true pioneer. 

Just as Bob reached the hole in the tree he 
became conscious of the fact that the old stump 
was being violently agitated, as though some 
one were climbing up below him. He even 
glanced down, filled with a dread lest Sandy 
had after all disobeyed, and chased after him. 

Then something else attracted his attention 
and he raised his eyes, to make a most unpleas- 
ant discovery. 

The hole in the tree was no longer vacant, but 
a bristling black head and a pair of very fright- 
ened eyes met his startled gaze ! 


CHAPTER XVII 


A STKANGE PEISOK 

The bear looked at Bob; and Bob stared at 
the bear. 

It was a mutual surprise, though on the 
whole, perhaps, the animal was the more aston- 
ished, since up to this time he could not have 
had any inkling of the tremendous things that 
were occurring so near his home. 

He blinked his little eyes as the glare of the 
great conflagration dazzled his vision; but at 
the same time there was not the faintest indi- 
cation that Mr. Bruin thought of dropping back 
into his snug retreat. 

Here was a pretty kettle of fish, with the bear 
wanting to come out, and Bob just as set upon 
going in. Evidently there was a cpnflict of 
opinions as to the proper thing to do when the 
forest took to blazing. Bruin beKeved flight 
might serve him best ; while the young pioneer 
knew positively that in his case it would not 
answer at all. 

Of course, when he first caught sight of that 
178 


A STRANGE PRISON 


179 


black muzzle, the boy had given a low cry of 
alarni. Possibly Mr. Bear had never up to now 
heard a human voice save, it might be, the war 
whoop of the red man. It did not seem, how- 
ever, to deter him in the least from trying to 
carry out his original plan. 

He began to move upward, and Bob could 
hear his sharp claws digging into the interior 
of the stump, assisting his progress. 

The situation needed prompt measures for 
relief. To drop down again to the ground was 
not to be considered for a moment, since there 
was the advancing fire to consider. 

Fortunately Bob was a quick thinker, and 
often did things on the spur of the moment, as 
though acting from intuition rather than after 
deliberation and planning. 

Let the bear come out, if that was his inten- 
tion! Not for the whole world would he offer 
the slightest objection to such a process, for he 
wanted that snug den in the stump, and he 
wanted it more, apparently, than the beast did. 

At the same time a collision was not at all 
to his liking. He had his gun strapped to his 
back, and was therefore in no condition to de- 
fend himself. 

The only way to avoid a meeting was to give 


180 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


the beast plenty of room. Undoubtedly the bear 
was growing frantic with fear at sight of the 
fire. Some inward sense told Bruin that the 
gravest danger of his whole life now faced him, 
and, unable to understand that the safest course 
would have been to drop back inside his fortress 
and let the hurricane of fire sweep past, he was 
bent on fleeing before the gale. 

Of course it would prove a fatal error of 
judgment for the animal, but what was Bruin’s 
loss might be Bob’s gain. 

Already his head and shoulders had issued 
from the hole, and he was surging forward, 
intent on one thing, which was to quit his quar- 
ters as speedily as his huge bulk would per- 
mit it. 

Bob swung himself half way around the trunk 
of the tree. He found it rather difficult to hang 
oil, but, being tenacious by nature, and a good 
climber, he clung desperately to what stubs of 
branches he found there. 

Would the beast follow after him, bent on 
making an attack on the bold two-legged enemy 
that had ventured to brazenly face him at the 
mouth of his private castle ? 

Bob had little fear of this. He believed the 
bear was too much alarmed by the unusual spec- 


A STRANGE PRISON 


181 


tacle of the woods afire, and was seized with 
the same sort of panic that had sent buffalo, 
stags, wolves, foxes and even a gray panther 
bounding along to leeward as fast as their mus- 
cles could drive them. 

He knew when Bruin had managed to drag 
his entire bulk out from the enclosure, for the 
scene was by this time as well lighted up as 
though the sun shone through the eddying 
smoke clouds, only it was a red, angry glare, 
peculiarly terrifying. 

Yes, thank goodness, the beast was scurrying 
down the trunk of the old tree as fast as he 
possibly could. Fright urged him on, and Bob 
could not help adding to the situation by giving 
a shrill whoop. 

Thank you, sir; with your leave I will tum- 
ble into your late berth,’’ he exclaimed, as he 
struggled to pass around the stump again, in 
order to reach the opening. 

Short as was the time consumed in doing this, 
when he reached the gap in the trunk the bear 
had already tumbled to the ground. Bob heard 
the beast give utterance to a subdued roar, as 
though some of the tiffing leaves that were afire 
might have alighted on his hairy hide; then 
the black beast galloped madly off, heading in 


182 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


a direct line away from the approaching 
fire. 

But well did Bob know that, unless Bruin had 
some near-by cave in mind when he thus scam- 
pered off, the chances were ten to one he would 
roast in the conflagration, since he could never 
hope to outstrip its onward rush. 

Bob did not stop to see anything more just 
then. The air was already scorching, the smoke 
blinding, and there was danger lest his gar- 
ments take fire unless he speedily dropped out 
of reach of the flying leaves. 

Of course there was only one way in which to 
properly enter that hole in the old tree trunk. 
That was feet first, just as the original pro- 
prietor of the den had been in the habit of 
doing. 

Regardless of almost everything else save the 
fact that he was in a tremendous hurry, the boy 
pushed his figure through the aperture. Since 
there was nothing to which he could apply his 
moccasined toes, in order to stay his downward 
movement, the consequence of haste was that 
Bob took a quick passage to the very bottom of 
the tree trunk. 

Beyond a few minor scratches, however, he 
did not think that he had received any hurt, and 


A STRANGE PRISON 


183 


such trifles were not to be considered, when he 
had such a serious problem at stake as saving 
his life. 

Looking upward he could see the opening, for 
through it glowed the light of the conflagration. 
From this he was able to judge that the aper- 
ture must be some five feet above his head. 

There was ample room in the stump ^s interior 
for the boy to move around, and, on the whole, 
he did not doubt but that it had formed quite 
a pleasant den in which a bear could hibernate 
through the long winter. 

Already could he hear the roar of the flames 
all around him. Really, the sound was rather 
terrifying, though he knew full well it would 
be quickly over. 

At least there was now no fear of the bear 
returning. That possibility had worried Bob 
for a brief period, since it would be very incon- 
venient to have had the singed animal dropping 
down upon him in that confined space. 

Phew! but iVs getting warm in here! ’’ he 
could not help exclaiming, as the perspiration 
began to ooze from his pores, and he found him- 
self actually panting for breath. 

He judged that by now he was in the worst 
of the fire. This meant that it would have swept 


184 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


past the tree in another couple of minutes, and 
after that the heat must gradually decrease. 

Yes, already he felt sure that the loud roaring 
was growing sensibly less. The wave of fire 
had passed on, snatching up new supplies of 
dry fuel as it rushed along its way on the teeth 
of the wind. 

More than once his thoughts had gone out to 
Sandy. 

‘‘Oh! I hope he stayed where I put him, and 
that all is well,’’ he kept repeating to himself, 
as he sweltered in his hot oven. 

Surely it ought to be getting much more com- 
fortable by now; and yet Bob could not posi- 
tively say that he felt any cooling influence. 

Perhaps he would be wise to climb upward 
toward the exit, ready to thrust his head out, 
and see how the land lay. No sooner had this 
idea flashed upon him than he started to carry 
it out, only to make a very unpleasant discov- 
ery. 

He groped around him, seeking to find some 
projection that would give a grip or a foothold, 
but only to meet with grievous disappoint- 
ment. 

“ Why, what shall I do? ” he cried aloud, in 
his sudden chagrin. “ The inside of this old 


A STRANGE PRISON 


185 


tree is as smooth as an otter slide ! And I have 
no claws, like the bear, to help me climb up ! ’ ’ 

He tried pushing his back against one side 
of the hollow, while with his knees and hands 
he pressed against the opposite wall. It was 
a favorite trick which Bob had carried out suc- 
cessfully on more than one occasion. Somehow 
it did not seem to work now. 

Whether in his excitement he failed to take 
advantage of every little gain, or because the 
bear in his frequent passage up and down had 
polished the chute so that it was impossible for 
the boy to hold on, was a question Bob never 
found himself fully qualified to answer. 

All he knew was that three times he managed 
to get up a little distance, only to suddenly slide 
down again and land in a heap at the bottom. 

His failures were discouraging, to say the 
least. The worst of it all was that there did 
not seem to be any hope that, even given time, 
he could manage to accomplish the task, unless 
he took out his knife and deliberately hacked 
notches in the sides of his prison upon which 
he could rest his toes. 

That would take hours of time; and mean- 
while what of Sandy ? 

Ifil give it another try,” he muttered, loth 


186 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


to confess himself beaten, and then, if I fail 
to make it, something else must be done, for 
out of this I’m going to get, by hook or by 
crook! ” 

This time he took particular pains in his 
movements. Inch by inch he kept advancing by 
that shuffling movement that always pushed his 
figure away from the ground. 

Hope even began to find a lodgment in his 
breast, for the bottom of the aperture seemed 
now within a foot of his reach, and, once let 
him get a grip on that, he could count the battle 
won. 

Then again there came a miscalculation, a 
trifling slip that upset his gravity, and once 
more poor Bob went plunging down to the bot- 
tom, worse off than ever. 

He actually grunted and groaned as he sat 
there, feeling to see if he had received any more 
damage than a few bruises from this heavy fall. 

And, strange to say, his back seemed to 
trouble him more than any other part of his 
body. 

Feels as if I had started to roast along my 
spine,” he said, as he found his buckskin tunic 
exceedingly hot when he laid a hand on it. 

Then, all at once, the truth burst upon him. 


A STRANGE PRISON 


187 


The old stump is afire! That’s what that 
flashing means I saw through the opening! 
Why, I may he roasted here after all! What 
can I do! ” he asked himself, once more strug- 
gling to his feet, and forgetting all his minor 
injuries as he contemplated this serious condi- 
tion. 

To find out if his suspicion were true he 
started placing his hand at various spots along 
the inside of the tree trunk, and, from the in- 
tense heat, he found little hope that he had 
made a mistake. 

Was it worth while trying again to mount 
upward? Could he dig his toes into the smooth 
walls with enough vigor to sustain his weight? 
Four failures rather dampened his ardor along 
this line. 

His groping hand came in contact with his 
musket, which he had thrown aside on first find- 
ing himself caged in this trap. It had been 
leaning against the side of his prison all the 
while. To fire it would he useless, for who was 
there to come to his assistance? 

Suppose he managed to climb up again as far 
as on the last disastrous occasion, could he get 
any support by placing the butt of the gun up- 
ward, as a rest for one foot? 


188 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


It was a last desperate resort, and poor Bob 
shuddered at pressing his already tortured back 
against that heated wooden funnel. If there 
were only some other way by which he might 
hope to gain the outer air, how gladly would he 
welcome it! 

Just then he noticed something — he had 
really seen it before, but paid little attention to 
the fact, being wholly taken up with the idea of 
reaching the hole above. 

And, while this new sight did not seem to hold 
out any positive chances for an escape from his 
burning prison. Bob believed that it might be 
worth throwing all his last efforts into this new 
channel. 


CHAPTEE XVIII 


AFTEK THE FOKEST FIEE 

The old tree trunk was slowly giving way 
to the demands of Nature. It had a split up 
and down one side, where doubtless the wood 
was rotting away. Bob could see out of it — 
see the gray, smoky landscape, still lighted by 
flashes of fire. During the progress of the fire 
he had even watched the roaring whirlwind 
sweep past; and then forgotten all about this 
crevice in his mad desire to climb up to the hole 
that served as the bear’s exit. 

The thought that came to him was this — that 
perhaps with the aid of his sharp hunting knife, 
and a set determination to bring about results, 
he might manage to enlarge this narrow open- 
ing enough to admit of his bursting forth! 

He did not lose another second in wondering 
whether it could be done. There was absolutely 
nothing else for him to try, if he hoped to keep 
from being slowly suffocated in that prison cell. 
He could do it, he must do it ! 

When he set to work, he found at once that 
189 


190 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


the wood was inclined to be soft and wormy, 
especially close to the crack. Time had over- 
come the hardness of the oak, and under his 
vigorous assault it fairly crumbled away in sec- 
tions. 

After what may have been a minute’s labor 
but which seemed much longer, Bob was able 
to thrust his whole arm through the cleft he had 
made. 

At that rate he would soon be free. The very 
thought gave him new energy, and he went at 
the task even more fiercely than before. But 
somehow his rate of progress did not seem to 
increase in proportion to the extra vim he threw 
into the work. 

Evidently the deeper he cut, the harder the 
wood became. It was decayed only along the 
crevice ! 

Realizing this, he now turned his attention to 
the other side, and for a brief time all went 
smoothly, progress being rapid. Now he could 
even thrust a leg out of his cell. Twice that 
dimension, and the gap would be large enough 
to admit of the passage of his entire body. 

But surely it was getting much hotter inside 
the stump. The fire had taken hold in earnest. 
He believed that the flames must be curling 


AFTER THE FOREST FIRE 


191 


around the old tree, and mounting upward while 
they fed upon the dead wood. 

It mattered not just then that his hand grew 
sore from constant friction with the rough 
buck-horn handle of his knife. Such little 
things could not count when everything de- 
pended on his making a success of his effort. 

Just then Bob needed all the encouragement 
he could find. He realized this, and to try and 
cheer up his drooping spirits he started talking 
to himself while he worked, even laughing from 
time to time. 

It encouraged him, and could do no harm. 

That was a good slice. Bob! ’’ he went on, 
just as though it might be his mother speaking. 

Keep it up, my boy! YouTe just bound to 
break out of this smoke-stack soon ! Nothing can 
stop you, now youVe got started in the right 
direction. Hey ! almost dropped my knife out- 
side that time. Gracious ! what if it had gone 
beyond my reach! You must be more careful 
after this, Eobert, my lad! ’’ 

He sliced away, and the opening grew wider ; 
but, oh! how slowly its dimensions increased, 
and how much hotter did the air seem all around 
him! 

Was it fated that he should be smothered 


192 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


here, suffocated by the pungent smoke that 
caught his breath, and seemed to choke himl 
He would not allow himself to give way to even 
the thought of such a horrible thing. 

Sure you will get through. Bob! ” he 
shouted, as he kept working away with every 
atom of strength. Wliy, the hole must be 
mighty near big enough now for you to slip 
through. Sandy could do it, I know, and I’m 
not much stouter than he. Just hold out a little 
longer, boy! Keep at it, and success must 
come.” 

His knife was no longer keen, since its work- 
ing edge had been worn away against the tough 
wood; but, under the efforts Bob put into his 
work, it still sliced off shavings with every 
downward movement. 

He thrust his head forward, more in the de- 
sire to suck in some of the outer air than be- 
cause he expected to be able to pass it through 
the opening. 

A thrill shook his whole frame when he found 
that he could thus thrust his head completely 
out of the prison cell. Seized with a new hope 
he began wriggling his body sideways, his right 
shoulder first of all being pushed through. 

And though it proved a tremendous task, and 


AFTER THE FOREST FIRE 


193 


a tight fit, Bob managed to press completely 
through the narrow aperture ! He fell in a heap 
on the ground, almost done for, yet with a feel- 
ing of thanksgiving. And his second thought 
was of that mother who he knew full well 
would be heartbroken should anything happen 
to either Sandy or himself. 

Although Bob had apparently collapsed after 
bursting out from his strange prison, he did not 
long remain there on the earth. 

“ I must be up and doing,’’ he cried, as he 
struggled to gain his feet. 

There was Sandy to think of, and, besides, it 
was quite too hot so close to the burning stump. 
How he longed for a cool drink to moisten his 
parched throat ! 

‘ ‘ My gun ! I could not think of leaving that 
behind ! ” he exclaimed, turning back once more, 
after starting to leave the scene of his singular 
adventure. 

Throwing himself down on the ground, he 
pushed close up to the tree and inserted his 
arm, groping in the quarter where he remem- 
bered his musket had last stood. At first he 
failed to touch it. 

‘‘ Why, that’s odd,” he exclaimed, dismayed 
at the idea of losing his precious weapon, for 


194 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


another could not probably have been obtained 
in its place for long, weary months. 

Perhaps, after all, it happened to be just 
out of reach of his fingers. Thinking thus. 
Bob snatched up a piece of wood that had es- 
caped the ground conflagration. It was about 
a foot or so in length, and afforded him the 
assistance he needed. 

There it is, if I can only start it coming 
this way ! ’ ’ he observed, still imbibing renewed 
courage from his habit of talking to himself. 

It proved that he could readily manage to 
move the heavy gun; and almost immediately 
his eager fingers were clutching the butt of the 
musket. 

Now, after all, I’m little the worse off for 
it all,” declared Bob, as he hastened to scram- 
ble further away from the pillar of fire before 
rising to his feet ; ‘ ‘ and the next thing is — 
Sandy! ” 

He seemed to feel a sudden sinking in the 
region of his heart just at thought of his 
brother, and yet, if the boy had followed his 
instructions to the letter, surely no ill could 
have overwhelmed him. 

‘‘ That tree was sounder than the one where 
the bear had his den,” he kept muttering to 


AFTER THE FOREST FIRE 


195 


himself as he hurried along over the blackened 
ground in the direction where he believed he 
must find the hollow oak given over to Sandy; 

and after it was all over he could come out 
much easier than I did. But why have I not 
heard his signal call? Would he not follow 
after the fire, seeking some sign of me? 

Bob had just come through a very extraor- 
dinary adventure, for some time his life had 
actually hung in the balance; but he quickly 
forgot all about this in the new anxiety about 
his brother. 

More than once he had to cast about him to 
be sure that he was heading the right way. 
Somehow, since the fire had burned over the 
ground, eating up the masses of dead leaves 
and other inflammable growths, things did not 
look the same as before. 

But the wind came down from the north,’’ 
he kept saying, as he pushed doggedly on over 
the smoking ground; ‘‘ and that is the way 
I’m going back now. Only, I seem to be in a 
new part of the forest, things look so different. 
But hold on, Bob, there’s that cross formed by 
two trees that fell toward each other. I re- 
member that plainly, and it was just after I 
left Sandy, too.” 


196 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Now he was sure that the hollow tree must 
be somewhere close by. He raised his voice, 
and called the name of his brother. 

Sandy! Hello! where are you! 

Through the desolate forest, with its black- 
ened carpet, the sound of his voice came back; 
to mock him. Nothing else responded to his 
hail. 

Louder than before he shouted, but there was 
no answering call. Bob again felt that terrible 
chill in the region of his heart. A brief time 
before, and he had been apparently burning 
up ; now he was shivering. 

^ ^ There it is ! ’ ’ he suddenly cried, as he hap- 
pened to let his wandering gaze fall upon a 
tree that seemed to have a gap in its side. 

He hurried forward. Even as he advanced 
other familiar things greeted him, so that his 
last lingering doubt vanished. 

It’s the tree, surely,” he muttered, strain- 
ing his eyes to see within, and almost holding 
his very breath lest he discover a motionless 
figure in the cavity. 

But it was empty ! 

At least Sandy had not been smothered by 
the dense smoke ; he must have left his retreat. 

‘‘Oh! I hope he stayed here until the worst 


AFTER THE FOREST FIRE 197 

was over! ’’ was the cry that burst from the 
boy, as he stood there, staring into the empty 
cache, which he had intended to be a means of 
life-saving to his brother. 

He turned and looked around. There did 
not seem to be a living thing in sight. Animals 
and birds had all been driven away by the fire, 
which was doubtless still rushing through the 
woods far to the south. 

Was it worth while to call out again! Surely 
if Sandy had been within half a mile of him 
he must have heard that last shout! 

Puzzled, and sorely distressed. Bob hardly 
knew what to do. He even looked again into 
the hollow tree, as though in that way he might 
receive an answer to his question as to what 
had become of his brother. 

And he did. 

For, when he looked down, he saw that there 
had gathered quite a quantity of dead wood 
within the cavity. It had not dried out since 
the last rain, some time before, which must 
have driven into the cleft. And plainly he 
could see marks there that must have been 
made by Sandy! 

This gave him an idea, and he wondered why 
he had not thought of it before» Of what use 


198 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


was Ms forest traming if he could not ascertain 
whether Sandy had issued from the tree be- 
fore, or after, the fire? 

Down he dropped on his hands and knees. 
The very first thing he discovered was the 
positive impression made by one of his broth- 
er’s new moccasins, given to him by Colonel 
Boone before the great hunter had said good- 
bye. 

It was plainly made after the fire had passed, 
of that Bob felt certain ; and the fact gave him 
the keenest of pleasure, since it assured him 
of Sandy’s having passed through the siege un- 
harmed. 

But why had he not answered his shouts? 
Where could he have wandered to, that he 
failed to hear a far-reaching hail, such as the 
strong lungs of his brother had sent sounding 
through the forest? 

Bob began to follow the footprints. At least 
Sandy must have intended to seek him, for he 
had commenced to chase after the fire. 

Oh! ” gasped the boy, suddenly coming to 
a stop, and gazing in alarm at some new marks 
that met his eyes. 

They were also moccasin tracks ! More than 
that, they seemed to mingle with the smaller 


AFTER THE FOREST FIRE 


199 


ones made by Sandy. Bob bent closer, Ms 
heart seeming to leap into his throat as a 
dreadful fear clutched him. 

One thing he noted that gave him this new 
chill — every one of the new footprints toed 
in! He knew what this signified. White men 
seldom tread that way, but it is the universal 
custom of Indians to walk after the fashion 
called pigeon-toe as nature undoubtedly 
intended should he done. 

Then Indians had been here, — after the fire, 
too; and poor Sandy must have fallen into 
their hands ! 


CHAPTER XIX 


CAPTURED BY THE SHAWANEES 

‘ ‘ Glory ! but that was a hot time ! ’ ’ 

Sandy thrust his head out of the hollow tree 
as he gasped these words. The fire had swept 
past as he crouched there, trying to hold his 
breath, and wondering if it would reach into 
the aperture and seize hold of his garments. 

And now it was gone. He could hardly be- 
lieve the truth, and that he had really escaped 
without any injury. Down the wind he could 
see the angry glow that marked the fire line. 
Here and there little blazes still remained, where 
a winrow of the dead leaves had otfered fat 
pickings for the flames. And smoke curled up 
everywhere, sickening smoke that made the 
eyes smart. 

“ But what of Bob? ” 

That was the chief thought that surged 
through the mind of the boy as he crouched 
there inside his refuge and stared out at the 
strange scene. 

‘‘Oh! what if he did not find a place to hide? 

200 


CAPTURED BY THE SHAWANEES 201 


What if he was caught in the open? I can 
stand this suspense no longer. I must know 
the worst ! ’ ’ 

As he said this with a quavering voice, he 
issued from the tree. The earth was still hot 
after its recent burning; but, by picking his 
way, Sandy believed that he might find it pos- 
sible to walk on in the direction the fire had 
swept along. 

He called to Bob as he moved. Once his heart 
seemed to leap into his mouth, for he thought 
he saw something move ahead; but, though he 
turned a little aside so as to advance that way, 
he failed to see it again. 

Then he stopped to consider. Was it wise 
for him to wander off in this manner, without 
a definite plan? Had not Bob told him to stay 
where he was until he came? He might get 
lost, and only add to their troubles. Yes, per- 
haps he had better restrain his impatience, and 
wait a reasonable time to see whether Bob 
would not show himself. 

It was while he stood thus, close to an un- 
usually large tree, that something came to pass, 
possibly the very last thing in all the world 
Sandy was thinking about. 

A pair of muscular bronzed arms suddenly 


202 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


closed about tbe boy. Struggling hard, and 
twisting his head back, he found to his horror 
that he was looking into the painted face of 
an Indian warrior. 

Then he heard the brave give vent to a 
screech, which must have been some sort of 
signal, for immediately three other feathered 
heads popped into view, one of them from be- 
hind the very tree where Sandy had believed 
he saw something move. 

In vain the boy struggled with all his might; 
his strength was not equal to that of the man 
who held him, and, when the four ugly looking 
red men had gathered around him, the nearest 
snatched his musket away. 

‘‘Ugh!’’ grunted his captor, suddenly re- 
leasing his arms. 

Sandy stood there in their midst, white and 
alarmed, but trying to summon all his resolu- 
tion. And, indeed, if ever the boy needed his 
courage it was at that moment, when he realized 
that he was alone and powerless in the hands 
of the hostile Shawanees. 

Would they proceed to kill him then and 
there? He had heard terrible stories about the 
cruelty of these copper-colored sons of the wil- 
derness. 



A PAIR OF MUSCULAR BRONZED ARMS SUDDENLY CLOSED 
ABOUT THE BOY.” 








* 


c 'f*- 


; V .V % 




4 . "^Ki^ ^ L 


* « 














CAPTURED BY THE SHAWANEES 203 


Now they were jabbering away in an un- 
known tongue. Occasionally they would point 
at him, as though he must be the subject of 
their talk, as he had no doubt was the case. 

“Oh! I wonder if they really mean to do 
it,’’ was what Sandy was saying to himself, as 
he listened to the vigorous language, which to 
him was utterly without sense, although he felt 
sure that Colonel Boone could have understood 
every word of it. 

Then he saw one fellow, who seemed to scowl, 
fingering his tomahawk in a suggestive manner 
that made Sandy’s very blood run cold. 

Thinking he saw a chance to bolt, the boy 
suddenly sprinted oft. But ere he had gone 
twenty feet his arm was clutched in a dusky 
hand, and his flight brought to a halt. 

At least one of his captors could speak some 
English, and he shook his knife in Sandy’s 
face: 

“ No run — paleface boy try more, we kill ! ” 

Sandy managed to pluck up a little fresh 
hope. From what the painted brave said, if 
he tried again to escape they would do some- 
thing desperate. Did that mean they would 
let him live if he gave in, and allowed himself 
to be made a prisoner? 


204 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


The man who gripped him held his hands 
behind, while another secured his wrists to- 
gether with buckskin thongs. That looked as 
though they meant to take him along with them 
perhaps to their village. 

And so presently Sandy found himself march- 
ing along over the blackened ground, hedged 
in by a quartette of vicious looking Indians. 

They paid little attention to him, though if 
at any time he seemed to slacken his pace, 
which was a jog-trot, such as Indians can keep 
up all day, he received, as a gentle reminder 
that he was to put on fresh speed, a dig in the 
ribs from one of those in the rear. 

Sandy never forgot that little excursion. 
While he may not have covered a great many 
miles, his spirits were so low that it seemed 
the most miserable period of his whole life. 

What had happened to Bob? That was the 
burden of his thoughts. He even found himself 
wondering whether his brother could have 
fallen in with these red men, and met with dis- 
aster. Then he noticed that one of the four 
carried a gun, and that it was such a weapon 
as the French traders used in dealing with the 
Indians, and not a staunch musket like the Eng- 
lish possessed. 


CAPTURED BY THE SHAWANEES 205 


If Bob had escaped both the peril of the fire 
and that of the Indians, would he discover what 
had happened to his brother and carry the news 
home f 

By degrees they had edged away from the 
burned tract. The wind had died out, and 
finally, after crossing a line of flickering flames 
that was making but poor progress, Sandy dis- 
covered that they no longer walked through 
blackened stuff, but upon leaves that had not 
felt the touch of fire. 

Why, there must have been a shower over 
this way,’^ he said to himself, noticing that the 
ground seemed wet ; and that was exactly what 
had happened. 

He heard his captors exchanging remarks 
again, and from their manner guessed that 
the end of their pilgrimage must be close at 
hand. 

Perhaps it is a village they are taking me 
to,’’ he said, remembering what he had heard 
from Blue Jacket. 

Surely that was a dog barking somewhere 
ahead. Did the Indians have dogs? Yes, he 
remembered that this was so. Blue Jacket had 
told him how they had been bred from wolves, 
that long ago had been taken captive, so that 


206 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


they still possessed many of the savage traits 
that had marked their ancestors. 

And then as they pushed out of the forest 
he suddenly set eyes on the Shawanee village. 
It stood on the bank of a small stream, no doubt 
a tributary to the great Ohio. There were 
scores of skin lodges, each one gaudily painted 
with rude scenes representing some stirring in- 
cidents in the lives of the braves who owned 
them. 

In spite of the distressing condition in which 
he found himself placed, Sandy could not help 
feeling interested in the strange spectacle, for 
never before had he so much as looked upon 
a genuine Indian wigwam. 

He was not allowed to enjoy it long, however. 
As soon as the news that a prisoner had been 
brought in was circulated among the dusky oc- 
cupants of the lodges, the utmost confusion 
abounded. 

Braves came thronging out to meet the re- 
turning warriors, squaws chattering, papooses 
squalling, and even half-naked youngsters add- 
ing to the clamor. 

. Poor Sandy was pinched and poked and 
pushed about at the hands of the throng until 
he really feared for his life. Angry looks were 


CAPTURED BY THE SHAWANEES 207 


cast upon him. Apparently there had been 
braves who had gone forth from this village 
upon the warpath to return no more. They 
seemed to want to vent their anger upon the 
head of the white boy who had fallen into their 
hands. 

Sandy was glad when they thrust him inside 
a lodge. So roughly was this done that the boy, 
rendered partly helpless by his bonds, reeled 
and fell on his face on the ground. Fortunately, 
however, the earth proved yielding, so that he 
was not seriously injured. 

Struggling to a sitting position, he tried to 
bolster up his courage by remembering all that 
he had ever heard about Indian villages from 
Pat O’Mara, and also from Daniel Boone him- 
self, during that day’s tramp through the for- 
est. 

And they said that these redskins like to 
burn their prisoners at the stake,” Sandy whis- 
pered to himself, as he shook his head dolefully. 
‘‘Oh! I hope they will never try that! I’m 
sure that was roast enough for me in that old 
tree. Perhaps now that old hag means to adopt 
me. She acted like it, when she threw her 
wrinkled arms around me, and jabbered so. 
And Colonel Boone told me how he was adopted 


208 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


into an Indian tribe, not long ago. She is a 
horrible looking old squaw ; but better be made 
her son than — the other thing ! ’ ’ 

The day slowly died, and Sandy looked to 
the coming of night with new terror. He could 
not exactly remember whether it was in the 
evening or the morning that the Indians always 
burned their prisoners. 

It would make some ditference if I only 
knew,’’ he said, with hope still fluttering in his 
boyish heart. 

He had some difficulty in creeping to the en- 
trance of the lodge, but was determined to peep 
out again and see if there were any grim signs, 
such as the planting of a stake or the gather- 
ing of brush. 

I can see nothing out of the way,” he mut- 
tered, after carefully looking as well as the 
circumstances allowed. 

Fires had been lighted, and the squaws 
seemed to be getting a meal ready, though, 
from what he had heard, Sandy understood 
that the red men have really no set time for 
eating, like their paleface brothers; simply 
waiting until they are hungry, and then 
satisfying the demands of nature with 
food. 


CAPTURED BY THE SHAWANEES 209 


It was a scene of bustle, with many dusky 
figures flitting about the fires. 

I wonder if I could manage to get away 
from here, in case I got my hands free! ’’ 
Sandy was saying; but almost immediately he 
discovered that close by was a squatting figure, 
evidently a guard, for he held a gun in his 
hands and seemed to be intently watching the 
head of the prisoner. 

So Sandy with a sigh drew back and waited 
for something to turn up. He was a most dis- 
consolate figure as he crouched there, anticipa- 
ting the worst ; yet, while thinking of home and 
mother, trying to hope for the best. 

Then suddenly he started. Surely that was 
not the voice of an Indian he heard ! Again he 
scrambled to the opening and thrust out his 
head. 

A neighboring fire lighted up the scene. It 
was of unusual size, and the boy immediately 
conceived the idea that the Indians meant to 
hold some sort of council, perhaps to decide his 
fate, for many were gathering around, with 
braves in the middle, and the squaws and boys 
on the outer fringe. 

And standing close by, in earnest conversa- 
tion with one who seemed to be something of a 


210 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


chief, was a man in buckskin, a white man at 
that. At first Sandy felt a quick pulsation of 
fierce joy. Just to see a white man among all 
these dusky sons of the wilderness seemed to 
give him fresh courage. 

Then a spasm of chagrin passed over him, 
for he had remembered the stories told by 
Daniel Boone of those renegades, such as 
Simon Girty, who had turned their hand 
against their kind, and fought side by side with 
the savages, more cruel even than the Indians 
they had taken to be their brothers. 

‘‘ But no, he must be a French trader,’’ he 
said immediately, as he listened to the voice 
of the man in buckskin ; ‘ ‘ like that J acques 
Larue we met when we stopped at Will ’s Creek 
on the way from Virginia. It is the same! 
Yes, now I can see his face plainly. Oh! I 
wonder if he would help me get away! ” 

Filled with this newly-awakened hope the 
boy prisoner lifted his voice and called out : 

‘ ‘ Monsieur Larue ! oh ! come this way, if 
you please ! ’ ’ 


CHAPTER XX 


THE COUNCIL FIKE 

‘‘ Who calls me? exclaimed the French 
trader, looking around him in some surprise. 

Evidently, although he must have known that 
the Indians had a prisoner, whose fate was to 
be decided at the council that was even then 
gathering, he could never have dreamed, up to 
now, that it was any one who knew him. 

This way, please, monsieur. I am here 
in the lodge! Just to your right; now, if you 
look down you will see me! ’’ cried Sandy, 
eagerly, though, if asked, he could not have 
told just why he fancied the Frenchman would 
assist him in the least. 

^ ‘ Sacre ! what haf we here ? A young Eeng- 
lish viper, it seems. Ha! and surely ve haf 
before now met ! Is it not so? said the trader, 
as by the light of the council fire he saw San- 
dy’s face. 

Oh! yes, it was at Will’s Creek. You re- 
member we came into the place just before you 
211 


212 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


left there, monsieur? You asked my father 
ever so many questions about what his business 
was. I am Sandy Armstrong, the youngest of 
his boys.^’ 

So, zat ees the vay ze vind blows? You 
belong to zat Eenglish colony zat mean to cheat 
honest men out of zere bread and butter. Worst 
of all, you own to being ze son of ze very man 
who would take away our trade with ze red 
men! Ho! Sandy Armstrong, say you? A 
very good evening to you, Sandy. It ees quite 
varm, but perhaps not yet so varm as it may 
be, eh? 

The words were filled with much more of bit- 
terness than seemed possible on the surface. 
Although he had not yet appealed to the trader 
for assistance, Sandy understood that no mat- 
ter what he said, it would never touch the stony 
heart of the Frenchman. Jacques Larue was 
one of those frontiersmen who, having spent 
much of their lives amid scenes of turmoil and 
violence, could not listen to a plea for mercy, 
especially when uttered in an English voice. 

But I am a prisoner here, and these Indi- 
ans may mean to put me to death? ” the boy 
went on, making a last effort to touch the 
trader. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


213 


With a shrug of the shoulders the inditferent 
Frenchman answered back : 

‘ ^ Zat would be a great pity — for ze muzzer. 
But what would you haf me do? Zese Indians 
haf been my good friends. Zey haf lost many 
of zere best braves in zat battle with your peo- 
ple. It is ze habit of ze red men to put pris- 
oners to ze death. I am sorry for you, boy; 
but my business it ees too valuable to reesk it 
by offending zese friends. So again, I bid you 
ze good evening, young Armstrong.’’ 

Trembling with indignation, Sandy cast dis- 
cretion to the winds. 

Yes, I know why you will not lift a finger 
to try and save me ! ” he cried aloud ; ^ ‘ you 
hate my father just because he expects to trade 
honestly with the friendly Indians. I have 
heard Colonel Boone speak of you and your 
breed. You set the redskins against the Eng- 
lish — you fill them with firewater, and start 
them out on the warpath, to burn and mur- 
der. You are like a snake in the grass, 
Jacques Larue. And some day the rifle of 
a true borderer like Boone will lay you 
low! ” 

The Frenchman could hardly believe his ears. 
For a mere youth to brave him thus to his face 


214 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


staggered him. He took a step toward the 
lodge, and half raised his arm as though 
tempted to strike the boy. 

‘‘ Yes, that would be just like a man of your 
stripe. Monsieur Larue. Helpless, a prisoner, 
and with my hands tied behind my back, hit 
me if it please you ! ’ ’ dared the impetuous lad, 
not even deigning to move back into the recesses 
of his lodge. 

Sacre! I forgot! ” muttered the French- 
man, bringing himself up with a round turn; 
and, whirling on his heel, he strode off toward 
the circle of braves. 

Presently several warriors were dispatched 
to convey the captive to the council ring. One 
of them Sandy recognized as the fellow who had 
spoken a few words of English at the time of 
his capture. 

‘‘ Cut my hands loose,’’ he pleaded, backing 
up to this brave in a suggestive manner. 
‘ ‘ Surely you need not be afraid of my running 
away. But my arms are so tired of being 
cramped in this way. Use your knife, Mr. 
Eagle Feather! ” for, though he had no idea 
of what the name of the brave might be, he 
recognized the three feathers in his scalp-lock 
as belonging to the king of birds. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


215 


Ugh! paleface boy say true. No danger 
run away ! ’ ^ and with the words the other drew 
his knife, the same with which he had once 
threatened Sandy, across the stout buckskin 
thongs. 

That feels better; and thank you for it,’^ 
observed the boy, with a nod, as his hands fell 
apart, and he could chafe his numb wrists into 
a state of feeling. 

‘ ‘ Ugh ! paleface boy much brave ! Tell Swift 
Bullet him fool! Ugh! ’’ said the warrior, as 
he took hold of Sandy ’s right arm, a companion 
leading him on the left. 

From these few words the boy understood, 
first, that the French trader must go by the 
name of Swift Bullet among the Shawanees; 
second, that the brave had heard all that had 
just passed between them ; and, last of all, that 
possibly he did not chance to bear the best of 
feelings toward the French trader, since he evi- 
dently admired the stripling who dared defy 
Larue. 

When he found himself in the midst of that 
great throng Sandy’s heart misgave him. 
Every face around the triple circle of braves 
looked dark and forbidding. In fact, aside 
from this single warrior who had helped cap- 


216 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ture him, he did not seem to have a single 
friend in the village. 

The French trader was present, sitting cross- 
legged beside the head chief. He smiled most 
of the time, as though simply amused at what 
was going on. Evidently Jacques Larue cared 
precious little whether the council decided 
upon the death of the young English pioneer 
or not. He looked upon all such as a breed of 
vipers, to be treated with scant ceremony when- 
ever encountered. 

Of course Sandy could not understand what 
was said, so far as words went; but there was 
no mistaking the gestures of the speakers, some 
of which were passionate and striking. They 
were calling for his blood! Those who had 
fallen in battle must be avenged. Boy or not, 
he belonged to the hated English, and was not 
their country, given to them by the Great 
Spirit, being invaded by these bold compatriots 
of Boone and Harrod? 

Those very names were mentioned, and by 
Indian lips. Somehow, in his great extremity, 
the imperilled lad seemed to draw new in- 
spiration from just hearing that magical name 
of Boone. He noted that every time the chief 
uttered it there was an uneasy movement that 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


217 


passed through the entire assemblage; while 
many a head was half turned, as though a sud- 
den fear had sprung into being lest the famous 
borderer make his appearance there before 
them, demanding that the prisoner be released. 

What manner of man could this be, that even 
the mention of his name should cause a shiver 
to pass through an Indian council? 

'' I believe they're going to do it! " Sandy 
whispered to himself, when he saw how still 
more threatening looks were cast upon him. 

Then came the medicine man, dressed in most 
fantastic garb, and wearing a head of a bear, 
that had attached to it the horns of a butfalo. 
Into the circle he danced, waving his hands, 
and crooning some weird song that seemed to 
hold his hearers entranced, though to Sandy it 
sounded like the worst gibberish he had ever 
heard. 

But soon he, too, was following the move- 
ments of the old charmer with deepest anxiety ; 
for it became impressed upon his mind that, 
after all, much depended on what he might de- 
cide. The medicine man was believed to be in 
direct communication with the Great Spirit, 
and could, after certain incantations, learn 
what the will of the Manitou might be. 


218 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


If he said that the prisoner must be burned, 
nothing could save Sandy. On the contrary, 
should the medicine man declare that the voice 
of Manitou declared that some other fate be 
meted out to the paleface captive, his word was 
law. 

Just then Sandy had his attention called to 
a movement in another quarter. 

Oh! there is the old squaw who hugged 
me! he exclaimed, almost holding his breath 
in suspense; and she seems to be wanting 
to jump forward when the right time comes. 
All may not be lost. Perhaps I could never 
love her; but I’d be grateful if she saved my 
life! ” 

Once the boy had been seized with a sudden 
hope, and had eagerly scanned each and every 
face in all that triple circle. 

No, he is not here,” he muttered in a dis- 
appointed tone ; ‘ ‘ perhaps he never got back 
home. Perhaps his wound broke out again, 
and he fell by the way! Such hard luck ! ” 

He was thinking of Blue Jacket, the young 
brave whom he and Bob had nursed back from 
the border of the grave. But Blue Jacket was 
certainly not there; or, if so, realizing his in- 
ability to help his young white friend, he kept 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


219 


Ms face Mdden in Ms blanket of buffalo 
skin. 

And now the dancing medicine man’s move- 
ments grew more rapid. He whirled Ms arms 
more violently above his head, and the various 
metal ornaments which were hung about his 
person jangled not unmusically, adding to the 
weird aspect of the scene. 

Apparently he had reached a point where 
he was about to launch his decision at the wait- 
ing warriors. Just then the harsh voice of a 
squaw was heard, and the old woman whom 
Sandy had noticed jumped into the ring, speak- 
ing eagerly, and making all sorts of impressive 
gestures with her talon-like hands. 

The prisoner shuddered as he gazed; but 
something like gratitude entered his heart. 
Repulsive as she appeared, the old squaw was 
trying to save his life ! 

He watched the actions of the medicine man 
closely, as though he could tell in that way 
whether the request of the bereaved squaw 
would be granted, and the prisoner turned over 
to her to take the place of the son who would 
never again bring home to her lodge a share 
of the spoils of the hunt. 

Then the boy’s very heart seemed to turn 


220 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


cold. Something about the manner of the en- 
tire assemblage seemed to say that the senti- 
ment of the council was adverse. And doubt- 
less the wily old medicine man usually gave 
the answer just as he saw it expressed on the» 
faces of the warriors! 

They would condemn the prisoner, then, to 
be put to death ! Brave lad though Sandy had 
shown himself on more than one occasion, he 
might easily be pardoned for experiencing a 
cold chill when the truth broke upon him. 

He seemed to feel a choking sensation in his 
throat, as though he could hardly breathe. 
Somehow, just at that moment his mind flew 
far away to the bank of the great Ohio, to a 
new cabin he could picture, where a grieving 
woman sat beside the large fireplace, and there 
was an empty stool at the rough table. 

Mother! he whispered, softly. 

And then he shut his teeth hard. At least 
they should not see him quail, these copper-col- 
ored men of the wilderness. Always had he 
heard that, above everything else, Indians ad- 
mired bravery. When death in its more terri- 
ble aspect faced them, they pretended to show 
utter contempt, laughing their enemies in the 
face, and mocking them with their last breath. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


221 


Well, he was an Armstrong! They had ever 
been a hardy race, and across the water had 
always taken a share in all the wars that rent 
Old England. He would show that, though 
but a boy in years, he had inherited the spirit 
of his ancestors. Not one groan, not one cry 
for mercy, would they hear falling from his 
lips ! 

The squaw ceased to implore. She had 
fallen back to wait for the decision of the wiz- 
ard, who was once again beginning to wave 
his arms about, and fix his mincing steps to 
keep time with his singsong words. 

Sandy was keeping his eyes glued upon the 
swaying figure. There was a sort of fascina- 
tion about it all, just as though his own life 
did not hang in the balance. 

It^s coming! he muttered, presently, as 
he saw the heads of the warriors inclined 
eagerly toward the magician. 

Sandy was conscious of a little confusion 
near by. He could not tear his eyes away from 
the dancer long enough to ascertain what it 
meant. Perhaps some prowling dog had been 
caught by a squaw stealing from' her lodge, 
and was being soundly kicked and berated in 
consequence. 


222 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


The sounds were really coming closer. Loud 
voices could be heard, excited voices too, but 
in the Indian tongue. Sandy was not much 
interested, because he fancied that it was only 
some late comers, who were demanding to be 
told what the council was about, not knowing 
of the capture of a white. 

Now he could not help noticing, because 
there was a swaying of the outer lines, where 
the squaws and boys congregated. Louder 
grew the voices. Even the medicine man 
paused in the act of delivering the decree of 
Manitou, and every face was turned toward 
the quarter whence the growing clamor 
sounded. 

And as Sandy, half starting to his feet, 
stared, and held his breath, he saw a figure 
he knew only too well come limping into. the 
lighted arena. 

It was Blue Jacket! 


CHAPTEE XXI 


TIT FOR TAT 

Yes, it was Blue Jacket, but apparently a 
wreck of the young Indian whom Sandy had 
last seen under the friendly roof of the new 
Armstrong cabin. 

He was blackened with smoke, his buckskin 
garments showing holes that the forest fire had 
burned; the proud feather that had once 
adorned his scalp-lock hung low over his ear, 
and broken ; he seemed hardly able to drag him- 
self past the wondering squaws, and reach the 
centre of the triple ring of warriors. 

But it was Blue J acket, alive and in the flesh, 
for all that. 

Glory! he has come home just in time to 
save me! ” Sandy kept saying to himself, as 
he stared. And that terrible old medicine 
man was going to seal my fate ! Glory ! could 
there be any greater luck? And didn’t dear 
old Bob say the bread we cast upon the waters 
might return ere many days? Yes, it has come 
back, principal and interest! ” 

223 


224 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Every eye was fastened upon the figure of 
the young brave. Not one present at the coun- 
cil fire but knew he had a story to tell that 
would thrill their souls. Even the squaws, sel- 
dom allowed to listen to the serious councils 
around the sacred fire, bent forward, the better 
not to lose a single word. 

Blue Jacket began to speak. At first his 
manner was sedate. He was telling of how he 
had fought in that night battle, of the wound 
that had left him on the field and how he crept 
away, hoping to return to his lodge among his 
people. 

Then Sandy, who could fairly interpret from 
his manner, knew that he spoke of finding him- 
self alone, weakened from loss of blood, and 
unable to even call for assistance. 

Expecting to become the prey of wild beasts 
during the night, he had, with the stoicism of 
the red man, awaited the end calmly. Then 
came the paleface boys. His bronzed face 
lighted up as he told how they tenderly carried 
him to the brow of the hill overlooking the 
river, and cared for his wounds. 

Now he became dramatic in his recital, and 
held his hearers spellbound. Surely he was 
speaking of that white mother now, telling how 


TIT FOR TAT 


225 


she advised that he be cared for and made well. 
It was such a revelation, so entirely different 
from all that the savage Indian nature under- 
stood, that the old men wagged their heads 
from time to time, and looked at one another 
helplessly. 

Blue Jacket went on. Now he was telling 
of one paleface warrior who had sought his life, 
and how those boys stood between. Sandy 
guessed this. He was hanging on the excited 
words of the young Shawanee just as though 
he could fully grasp the full sense of the ha- 
rangue. 

Suddenly Blue Jacket ceased. Striding for- 
ward as well as his lame leg would permit, he 
threw a protecting arm across the shoulders 
of Sandy, as he faced once more the throng of 
red men. 

‘ ‘ My brother ! ’ ^ 

That was all he said, but his manner told the 
story. He stood ready to sacrifice his life, if 
need be, to save this paleface lad from the 
stake. Simple, yet eloquent beyond description, 
was his attitude as he thus stood there. 

Would his will prevail? Had his rough elo- 
quence reached the hearts of those sons of the 
wilderness ? 


226 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


In years to come the name of Blue Jacket 
was fated to pass into the pages of history as 
a famous Indian orator, who could sway the 
minds of his people as few others were able. 
And in this fierce harangue, delivered in his 
youth, he made a reputation as a leader which 
was to follow him in all after years. 

The old men exchanged looks. They nodded 
their heads gravely. 

‘ ^ I surely believe he has turned the scale ! ’ ’ 
breathed the anxious Sandy, noting these sig- 
nificant signs. 

The shrewd old medicine man could not al- 
ways foretell the weather; but he was able to 
discern a sudden change in the wind of popular 
approval. Before this dramatic coming of the 
young and wounded brave he knew the con- 
sensus of opinion ran strongly toward putting 
the prisoner to the stake. It was ditferent 
now! 

And so the wily old fellow once more started 
his incantations and whirlings, just as though 
he were taking them up at the point where he 
had been interrupted; but with a decided dif- 
ference that even Sandy could notice. 

His manner now was not fierce and ugly; 
he no longer made swift downward strokes 


TIT FOR TAT 


227 


with his extended arms, but extended them up- 
ward in a beseeching manner, as though im- 
ploring Manitou to have mercy. 

Then, after a supreme exhibition of his pow- 
ers, with a great rattling of wampum belt, and 
jangling metal discs that were strung about 
his person, he moved over to where Sandy 
stood, with the dusky protecting arm of Blue 
Jacket still flung about his shoulders. 

Holding his hands above the white prisoner, 
the medicine man uttered a string of words, 
amid much bobbings of the head. Although 
he could interpret not a single expression, 
Sandy knew full well that in this way the wiz- 
ard was declaring he had been taken under the 
especial charge of the Great Spirit, and that 
henceforth no Shawanee hand should be raised 
against a member of the Armstrong family. 

The French trader had listened to all this 
with a sneer on his lips, while his face grew 
dark as though it pleased him not a bit. 

Sandy had little discretion, as we have seen 
more than once. With his usual impetuosity 
he could not restrain himself from flashing a 
look of triumph toward Jacques Larue. The 
trader saw it, and gritted his teeth. After that, 
he would doubtless feel more than ever a vi- 


228 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


cions spite against anything that bore the 
brand of an Armstrong. 

Come! ’’ said Blue Jacket, leading Sandy 
away. 

With the greatest of pleasure,” replied 
that worthy, feeling as though a tremendous 
weight had been taken from his shoulders, as 
indeed was the case. 

The young Shawanee led his white brother 
to his lodge, where an old squaw, his mother 
undoubtedly, proudly awaited them. Nothing 
was too good for the paleface who had saved 
the life of her boy. But first of all, Sandy in- 
sisted upon the wounds of the young warrior 
being dressed. 

You must have been caught in the fire, too. 
Blue Jacket! ” he declared, as he noted the 
condition of the warrior’s scanty garments, 
which at least had been whole at the time he 
was in the new settlement. 

Much time, Sandy. Near gone when reach 
creek and dive in! ” replied the other, simply. 

And that was all he could be persuaded to 
say about his adventure, yet Sandy felt posi- 
tive that the young brave must have gone 
through a thrilling experience, with the fire 
surrounding him, ^.nd wounded in the bargain. 


TIT FOR TAT 


229 


He could picture, what Blue J acket declined to 
relate. 

‘‘ They have spared my life, Blue Jacket,” 
observed the white boy, after a time, when he 
had assisted the squaw to bind up the reopened 
wound of the brave once more; but do they 
mean to keep me here a prisoner? Am I to 
never see my people again — dear old Bob, 
Kate, father, and my mother? ” 

The budding warrior looked at him, and ac- 
tually a faint smile came uponrhis face. Sandy 
could not remember having ever seen him show 
so much feeling before. 

‘‘ You wait, Sandy,” he said in a low voice; 

leave that to Blue Jacket. Give word Bob 
you be free. Me no fail! Never forget him 
mother, not much! ” 

But Sandy had caught one word that riveted 
his attention. 

When did you promise Bob to save me? 
Wliere did you see him^ Blue Jacket? ” he de- 
manded, eagerly. 

‘‘ Me leave since sunset. Bob fix best can,” 
and saying this the young Indian pointed down 
at his injured limb. 

“ Do you mean that you have been with my 
brother since the fire? ’’ cried Sandy, his face 


230 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


lighting up with a great joy, for that would tell 
him Bob could not have been injured in the 
forest conflagration, as he had greatly feared. 

Blue Jacket nodded gravely in the affirma- 
tive. English words did not come readily to 
his lips, and, when he could make a gesture 
take their place, he seldom failed to do so. 

Bob find in creek. Him help dong. Leg 
bad; much limp. Blue Jacket make like pa- 
poose. Get here just in time. Not much good. 
Ugh! ’’ he grunted. 

Then Bob came along with you? ’’ per- 
sisted Sandy, determined to drag the whole 
truth out by degrees. 

Come dong, yes. No think safe enter vil- 
lage. Hide in woods. Wait till fox him bark 
three times. Bob know. Bob safe! ” 

Hurrah! that’s good news you’re telling 
me. Blue Jacket! ” exclaimed Sandy, exult- 
antly. So Bob is safe, and near at hand 
right now! Why, he never even went back to 
the settlement to tell the story, and get assist- 
ance. Surely he is a brother to be proud of. 
Tell me. Blue Jacket, did he send any message 
by you? Have you got any of the white man’s 
•writing to give me? ” 

Whereupon the other gravely drew some- 


TIT FOR TAT 


231 


thing from the bosom of his torn hunting shirt, 
and extended it to Sandy. 

Me forget. Bob say all right. No can 
understand spider crawl on bark. Sandy know. 
Bob tell,” he said quaintly. 

There were not many words, and these had 
been scratched by some sharp-pointed flint, so 
that it was only with an effort that the boy 
could make them out by the light of the fire in 
front of the lodge. 

‘ ‘ Sandy ; — Keep up a brave heart. We are 
going to get you out of there to-night. Trust 
Blue Jacket. He is true as steel. Bring gun. 

Bob.” 

Sandy smiled as he saw that reference to the 
old musket; and yet, after all, it was not so 
strange that cautious, wise Bob should remem- 
ber how much of their anticipated pleasure in 
hunting during the months that were ahead 
would be taken away if Sandy were without a 
weapon. 

He read the message aloud to his friend. 
Blue Jacket evidently saw nothing singular 
about that mention of a gun. He knew what 
it meant to be without the means of obtaining 


232 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


food in that great wilderness. What bow and 
arrows, a tomahawk, or a crude knife, meant to 
an Indian, a gun stood for in the eyes of a 
white man. And so Blue Jacket only nodded 
his head gravely as he listened, saying finally: 

Get gun all right. No fear. Much skins 
here. Swap with brave for gun. Go now.’^ 

He evidently believed in striking while the 
iron was hot, for, stooping down, he gathered 
in his arms several valuable skins, among them 
some beautiful otter pelts, and started out. 

The squaw never raised a finger to inter- 
fere, yet she knew that Blue Jacket was very 
weak and sore from his tremendous exertions 
in trying to escape from the pursuing fire. 
And she was his mother, too. But then Sandy 
realized that Indian mothers differed in many 
respects from those of white boys. Blue 
Jacket, was he not a warrior now, and as such 
fully competent to decide for himself? The 
old squaw no doubt would have held her tongue 
had he declared it to be his intention to start 
back to the white settlement with Sandy, even 
though she knew it must be the means of bring- 
ing about his death. 

Sure enough. Blue Jacket must have gauged 
well the temper of the brave who had obtained 


TIT FOR TAT 


233 


the old flintlock musket, and knew just how to 
wheedle him out of his recent prize, for, when 
the young Indian returned, he placed in San- 
dy ^s eager hands not only the gun, but all 
other things taken from the prisoner at the 
time he fell into the hands of the four Sha- 
wanee warriors — his powder horn, carved 
with considerable rude skill by Bob, the bullet 
pouch decorated with colored porcupine quills, 
his hatchet, knife, and even the little bag, in 
which Sandy was accustomed to keeping his 
flint and steel, some dry tinder for starting 
fires, and a few trifling odds and ends. 

Why, my brother! cried the delighted 
white boy, you are a bigger medicine man 
than the old fellow who danced, and shook 
those hollow gourds with the dried beans in- 
side. Here are all my belongings, with not one 
thing missing. Oh! I tell you, it was a fine 
day I discovered you there in the grass. Blue 
Jacket. For you have returned what little we 
did a dozen fold ! ’ ' 

But evidently the young Indian had his own 
ideas about that, for he shook his head, and 
made a grimace. He would never forget how 
those boys had stood between when the irate 
settler, Anthony Brady, demanded his blood ! 


234 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


‘‘ No can repay. Armstrong name never can 
forget. You see. To-night we go away. Bob 
wait to show way home. Blue Jacket him not 
able go far. Much sorry! ’’ he said, as he 
limped about the lodge to try his poor limb. 

But Sandy gripped the Shawanee^s hand, 
while his boyish face fairly beamed with the 
atfection he felt toward the gallant young sav- 
age. 


CHAPTEE XXII 


THE ESCAPE 

When can we go, Blue Jacket! ’’ asked 
the boy, with his usual impatience. 

No can get away yet some time. Sandy 
look out,” came the reply. 

Well, I see what you mean,” admitted the 
prisoner, reluctantly. There does seem to 
be considerable of a stir around. Everybody 
is moving about. Even the dogs seem to be 
prowling around sniffing at things.” 

Ugh! much stir. Talk heap. French 
trader try to palaver with chiefs. Make think 
English bad men. Steal Indian country, kill 
squaws, papooses, all. Ugh! ” and, from the 
way Blue Jacket said this, it was evident that 
he feared the influence of the smooth-voiced 
Jacques Larue would undo all the good his 
harangue had accomplished. 

Not that his people would think of putting 
Sandy to the stake. That bugbear had been 
effectually squelched after he had told how 
kind the two Armstrong boys had shown them- 
235 


236 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


selves to him. But they might refuse to let 
the prisoner go free, demanding that he be 
forced to join the tribe. The lodge was still 
to be a prison, for the squaw had betaken her- 
self off, and Blue Jacket had said he would not 
be allowed to stay with his white brother. 

Even Sandy understood something of his 
danger. Perhaps it had to do with his impa- 
tience to get away from the village, with its 
clamor and its strange inhabitants. 

He remembered the skinny old crone who 
had wanted to adopt him as her own son. She 
meant it all in kindness, perhaps, but the very 
thought made poor Sandy shiver. 

‘‘ But look here, Blue Jacket, what about 
Bob? ’’ he said, presently, after he had turned 
away from peeping out at the exit of the lodge. 

‘ ‘ Bob wait, ’ ’ replied the Indian with his cus- 
tomary taciturnity. 

Yes, but when time passes, and I fail to 
come, he may get impatient and do something 
that will get him into trouble? ’’ 

At this the young Indian shrugged his shoul- 
ders. Perhaps he had caught the manner from 
the French traders, oily men who often visited 
the Shawanees in their villages to barter poor 
guns and powder for their valuable pelts. 


THE ESCAPE 


237 


‘‘ Bob no Sandy! ” was his only comment; 
and it struck home, too, for the one who heard 
gave a little chuckle, as he hastened to reply: 

“ You are right about that. Blue Jacket; and 
perhaps it^s just as well that he is not. One 
hothead in the family is quite enough. But 
you think, then. Bob will bide his time pa- 
tiently, and wait to hear from you? ” 

Him say,” answered the other, calmly. 

Oh! ” observed Sandy; but he saw a 
great light. 

It told him what a distinct impression that 
sober brother of his must have made on the 
observing young Indian during the week of 
their intercourse. Accustomed to reading peo- 
ple just as Sandy might the pages of a printed 
book, Blue Jacket knew that, when Bob Arm- 
strong said a thing, that was just what he 
meant. His simple word was, in the eye of 
this native of the woods, as good as another’s 
bond. 

Presently Sandy spoke again, for he could 
not keep his mind long off that fascinating 
subject. 

Is he near the border of the village, Blue 
Jacket? ” he asked. 

Much close. Blue Jacket him hide Bob. 


238 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


No can find. P’raps dog smell him. Not much 
danger that. You wait. Sleep. Time come 
bimeby. Blue Jacket crawl in lodge, wake. 
Make not noise, but move like snake. Ugh! ” 

With that the young Indian abruptly left 
him. 

Sandy threw himself down on the blanket 
and bearskin which he found in his prison. 
Perhaps what the Indian suggested would be 
a wise thing for him to do. He was very tired, 
and trembling with excitement. Of course, he 
hardly hoped to sleep any ; but even lying there 
would rest him more or less. 

But, despite his fears, he must have passed 
away into dreamland very shortly after drop- 
ping on the soft robes, for he could not remem- 
ber doing any great amount of thinking over 
his past troubles and the uncertain future. 

A cold hand touching his face awakened 
him. 

Before he could utter a sound he heard a low 
hiss that warned him against making a single 
exclamation. It was well Blue Jacket adopted 
this course, because naturally Sandy supposed 
himself safe at home, in his own newly-fash- 
ioned bed, and that it was Bob who had dis- 
turbed his dreams. 


THE ESCAPE 


239 


Instantly he understood. The skin lodge 
was almost in darkness. Still, something of a 
flickering light seeped in through little open- 
ings at the entrance ; and he could just manage 
to make out a bending figure that crouched 
beside him. 

“Is it you, Blue Jacket? ” he whispered 
softly, as his hand went out to feel of this 
figure. 

Again that warning hiss greeted him. Then 
there was a gentle pull at his buckskin tunic, 
which Sandy could not mistake. His ghostly 
visitor wanted him to follow his lead. 

Expecting some such summons, Sandy had 
made all preparations for a quick departure. 
His precious gun was lying close beside him; 
moreover, he had secured powder-horn, bullet 
pouch, and all other belongings, so that noth- 
ing would be left behind. 

Blue Jacket turned and crawled away. To 
Sandy’s surprise the young Shawanee did not 
head toward the opening of the lodge; but 
common sense told him why. There was a fire 
still burning out there, and possibly some brave 
might awaken just at the critical moment when 
they were passing. 

Evidently Blue Jacket had crept in at the 


240 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


rear, and meant to return the same way. He 
knew the possibilities of his own wigwam. 
Sandy wriggled his body under the tightly 
drawn skin that, with its fellows, formed the 
wigwam. He could just barely see the figure 
of his guide moving off ahead. And, when 
Blue Jacket had said they must glide like the 
snake that goes upon its belly, he certainly hit 
the truth, for Sandy could not discover the 
slightest movement of either arms or legs. 
Still the other made fair progress. 

Between lodges, avoiding the smouldering 
fires, they went. Surely the red guide must 
have figured every inch of the route in advance. 
Not even a dog seemed to be along the course ; 
and Sandy ^s admiration for his friend in- 
creased by bounds with every yard that they 
advanced. 

He had been wise enough to observe the 
location of Blue Jacket’s lodge, and hence knew 
that they were now heading in a general way 
toward the bank of the small stream near 
which this temporary hunting camp of the Sha- 
wanees had been located. 

This gave him a sudden and brilliant idea. 
Did Blue Jacket mean that they should make 
their escape by water? It would save many 


THE ESCAPE 


241 


weary miles of tramping, which task Sandy 
was not in very good physical condition to 
undertake. 

More than once the dark figure ahead came 
to a pause, and lay as still as a log. Sandy 
was keenly awake to the situation, and copied 
his actions to the letter. On one occasion a 
couple of dogs came running past, having evi- 
dently been hunting on their own account in 
the forest. They stopped to snitf the air, but 
luckily they were not on the windward side of 
the crouching figures; and so the presence of 
a paleface was not discovered; for soon they 
went on among the lodges, to lie down and rest 
after their long chase. 

Another time it was a moving warrior who 
caused alarm. But he seemed to have only 
been down to the river for a drink, for he 
walked past the spot where the two shadows 
lay without any suspicion that anything was 
amiss. 

It was an exciting time for poor Sandy, 
and his heart seemed to be up in his throat 
with suspense as he kept his agonized eyes fas- 
tened on that tall, dusky figure, until it was 
lost among the neighboring lodges. 

All now seemed well, and the coast clear. 

I 


242 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Rapidly Blue Jacket advanced. No longer was 
he content to wriggle like the rattlesnake. He 
had first arisen to his knees, and finally to his 
feet. True, he limped sadly, and Sandy knew 
that, with an Indian’s stoicism, his guide must 
be repressing the groans that a white boy 
would have uttered. 

He’s game, all right,” Sandy was saying 
to himself, filled with gratitude toward the 
young Indian; good Blue Jacket! Will I 
ever forget this? May my right arm wither 
if I should! And now, I wonder where Bob 
is? ” 

They had gone some little distance from the 
village, so that there no longer seemed to be 
any danger that they would be seen if they 
walked erect. Sandy had impulsively thrown 
an arm about his companion, meaning to help 
him. Perhaps at another time the proud young 
Shawanee might have indignantly declined to 
accept any assistance; but he was weak, and 
he had learned to feel a singular affection for 
his two white brothers. 

They came to a stop near a tangle of 
thickets. 

^ ‘ Listen ! ’ ’ said Blue J acket. 

Then close by, so that it actually startled the 


THE ESCAPE 


243 


white boy, came the bark of the red fox, twice 
repeated. And he remembered what his guide 
had said about the signal which Bob was to 
recognize. Anxiously Sandy waited, every 
nerve on edge for fear lest his brother might 
have gone. 

There was a stir in the thicket, and then 
came a low voice saying : 

Sandy! Blue Jacket, is it you? ” 

Here! ” exclaimed the escaped prisoner, 
unable to longer restrain his feelings; and in 
another moment he was clasped in a brother’s 
sturdy embrace. 

No time lose,” observed the practical In- 
dian. Come long me. Eiver close by. Ca- 
noe p’raps wait. Paddle home. Tell white 
squaw Blue Jacket much glad.” 

In two minutes they had arrived at the bor- 
der of the little stream, where Blue Jacket pro- 
duced his canoe, hidden for this very purpose 
late that evening. 

Go quick! No time lose. Mebbe alarm 
come. Who can tell? ” said the Indian. 

Sandy had crept into the frail boat made of 
skins, and Bob was about to do so, after squeez- 
ing the hand of their red friend, when a smooth 
voice suddenly said: 


244 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Sacre! it ees just as I thought when I saw 
him paddle his canoe here. Not so quick, 
young messieurs. You are not yet out of ze 
woods.’’ 


CHAPTER XXIII 


A CANOE TKIP IN THE STAKLIGHT 

It was Jacques Larue! 

IThe keen-eyed and suspicious French trader 
had by chance seen Blue Jacket slip away from 
his people and silently paddle his canoe down 
the river a short distance. He had followed, 
and watched him hide the bark here in the 
rushes bordering the shore. 

And of course the trader had no difficulty in 
guessing what this meant. He knew Blue 
Jacket intended that the white prisoner should 
escape by this means. 

Why Larue did not go at once to the head 
men, and tell of his discovery, will never be 
known. Perhaps he fancied that Sandy would 
come alone to the boat, and it struck him as a 
tine chance to frustrate the designs of the boy 
just when doubtless his heart would beat high 
with hope. 

At any rate here he was, possibly somewhat 
surprised that three dark figures confronted 
him instead of one shrinking lad. 

245 


246 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO . 

What would you? ’’ demanded Bob, turn- 
ing quickly around, just as he was in the act 
of entering the canoe, which was floating 
among the rushes. 

So, you are zere, too, it seems? sneered 
the man. ‘‘ I remember zere was also ze sec- 
ond Armstrong cub. Zis is vat I call neat. 
Two new Shawanee boys, adopted into ze tribe ! 
Perhaps ze new Eenglish trader like to ex- 
change hees goods for sons! Sacre! suppose 
you come back to lodges wiz me. I haf got ze 
gun pointed straight; and my fingair, it press 
on ze trigger. You refuse, and pouf! bang, 
down you go ! ’ ’ 

What! do you mean that you would force 
us to go back to captivity; and you a white 
man at that? Shame on you, Jacques Larue! 
Better paint your face, and stick feathers in 
your hair; for you are more savage than the 
reddest Indian ! ’ ’ cried the reckless Sandy. 

The trader gave vent to a low cry of anger. 
Bob feared that the Frenchman might be urged 
to shoot by these taunts, for he was undoubt- 
edly hot-blooded, like most of his countrymen. 

It was surely a time for action. The young 
pioneer made a sudden lunge forward and 
struck out with his right arm. Long handling 


A CANOE TRIP IN THE STARLIGHT 247 


of ttie axe had given Bob the muscles of an 
athlete; and when his clenched fist came in 
contact with the jaw of the French trader the 
result was disastrous to Larue. 

He went floundering on his back. His gun 
was discharged; but the missile that it had 
contained did no more damage than to shoot 
a hole through the atmosphere, for it was 
aimed at the time at the sky. 

Away! cried Blue Jacket, pushing Bob 
toward the boat; for the boy had acted as 
though tempted to follow up his one blow by 
giving the insulting trader the whipping he 
deserved. 

Prudence prevailed, and Bob hastened to 
leap aboard. Then the young Shawanee gave 
the canoe a shove that sent it out through the 
rushes, and upon the bosom of the flowing 
stream. 

Jacques Larue struggled to his feet, and 
wildly pranced up and down on the shore, 
shouting threats of what he would do if ever 
he came in contact with either of those Arm- 
strong cubs ’’ again. But Bob gave little 
heed to what he said, being much more con- 
cerned with other matters. 

Of course the report of the heavily-charged 


248 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


gun, together with the cries of the angry 
French trader, must by this time have aroused 
the village. 

‘‘ I wonder if they will pursue us? ’’ ven- 
tured Sandy, as he worked away valiantly at 
the paddle which he had taken up. 

The current of this stream is swift, and 
the shores so filled with underbrush that we 
can make faster time than any brave could 
afoot, remarked Bob, while he, too, bent to 
the task before him, so that the little boat 
fairly danced along on the starlit stream, head- 
ing down toward the junction with the big 
Ohio. 

But they have other canoes, for I saw 
three at least ? ’ ’ ventured Sandy. 

But Blue Jacket knew that,’’ returned the 
other, shrewdly; ‘‘ and depend on it he saw 
to it that they were hidden away where they 
could not be found in a hurry. We may be 
pursued, but I am not afraid.” 

They could hear some sort of hubbub taking 
place back toward the place where the village 
stood. No doubt the greatest confusion en- 
sued when the absence of all the canoes was 
discovered. 

‘‘ I only hope he will not be made to suffer 


A CANOE TRIP IN THE STARLIGHT 249 


for what he did,’’ mused Sandy; “ because 
Blue Jacket is our red brother now, and he 
thinks a heap of you, Bob.” 

Yes, and of you, too, Sandy, because he 
said as much. How nice it has all turned out 
after all! And it pays, sometimes, brother, 
just as our mother says, to be kind toward an 
enemy. If we had let the poor fellow die, think 
what would be your condition to-night.” 

Sandy worked for a long time in silence; 
but he was undoubtedly thinking over the stir- 
ring events of the last few hours, and the les- 
son must have sunk deep into his heart, never 
to be forgotten. 

‘‘ I believe we are close to the big river! ” 
remarked Bob, after a time. 

Why, you took the very words out of my 
mouth,” returned Sandy; for I can see much 
water ahead, and the waves seem to be getting 
larger. We must keep to the right, and paddle 
close to the shore.” 

Presently they entered upon the vast ex- 
panse of the Ohio, and their progress became 
much slower, since now they were compelled 
to fight against a strong current, instead of 
having the benefit of one. 

‘‘ Jacques Larue seems to be in mortal fear 


250 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


about father taking his trade away from him/’ 
said Sandy, after a time. 

That is because he has been robbing the 
Indians,” observed the thoughtful Bob. He 
knows that the English do not trade after that 
style, but believe in giving more for the pelts. 
And, brother, I believe that what has happened 
may assist father very much in his trade. You 
heard what the chief said — that never would 
the Shawanees war upon the family of Arm- 
strong. That means they will be our friends, 
even though at war with the whites.” 

‘‘ The skies seem to be brightening all 
around, ’ ’ remarked Sandy. ‘ ‘ If only the truth 
would come out about that barn burning! It 
is the one black blot on our name, and father 
feels it keenly, though he tries to be so brave. 
His honor is very dear to him.” 

‘‘As it should be,” cried Sandy. “ But 
mother never loses hope. Does she not con- 
stantly say that in God’s good time all must 
be made clear? And I believe that mother 
knows best. I keep hoping that some fine day 
we shall have news from our old home in Vir- 
ginia, and that word will come to tell us fa- 
ther’s name is cleared.” 

They said no more for some time. Indeed, 


A CANOE TRIP IN THE STARLIGHT 251 


all of their breath was needed in the violent 
exertion of forcing the canoe against that cur- 
rent, running six miles or more an hour. 

‘‘Oh! I believe we must be near home 
now!’^ cried Sandy suddenly, pointing with 
his extended paddle toward the nearby shore. 
“ See, that bunch of trees on the hill-top looks 
like the one we can look at from our cabin. 
Yes, it must be. Bob ! Shall we land here, and 
climb up? 

‘ ‘ Ten minutes more ought to do it, brother, ^ ^ 
said the other, quietly. “ So dip deep, and 
push hard. It is nearly over ; and think of the 
joy of being home again. 

“Oh! yes. They must be dreadfully wor- 
ried after knowing about that fire. How for- 
tunate that it did not sweep this way,^^ de- 
clared Sandy, between gasps ; for he was very 
nearly done up, not having all the rugged phy- 
sique of his brother. 

“ We have much to be thankful for,^’ replied 
Bob, working away. 

When the time set by Bob had expired the 
canoe was turned toward the shore, and the 
two landed, securing the frail craft, for they 
hoped to have many a trip in it on the broad 
bosom of the mighty Ohio. 


252 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


After this they mounted the hill. Bob, know- 
ing that there were always sentinels on duty, 
and not wishing to be fired on by mistake, gave 
a signal that would be recognized; and pres- 
ently they were met by one whom they knew 
well, being ushered by the guard into the set- 
tlement. 

There was a light burning in the Armstrong 
cabin, and they could easily understand that 
sleepless eyes reigned there. As they drew 
near, the door opened, and the two lads saw 
a well-known figure appear. It was the anxious 
mother who stood there, shading her eyes with 
her hand, for a fire burned near by. She had 
heard voices that thrilled her soul. 

Impulsive Sandy gave a shout and rushed 
forward, to be crushed to that loving breast, 
and kissed again and again. Then came the 
wide-eyed Kate, and the delighted father, to 
renew the tender caresses. 

Neighbors who had been aroused also flocked 
into the Armstrong cabin, eager to hear of the 
boys’ adventures. So for an hour, or until 
nearly dawn, they had to relate the strange 
things that had befallen them since leaving 
home on that eventful hunt. 

Looking around the big room, where the fire 


A CANOE TRIP IN THE STARLIGHT 253 


burned so cheerily, and the kettle sang its 
home-like tune, Sandy heaved a great sigh of 
happiness. 

It^s just Heaven to be here! ” he said; 
and, while his good mother shook her head in 
mild reproof at his words, she smiled with 
pleasure to realize that her boys thought so 
much of their home, humble though it might 
be, and devoid of many things others would 
deem necessities. 

After a warm meal the boys were compelled 
to go to bed, and secure some rest, of which 
both of them were certainly in sore need. 
Later on that day, when the full particulars of 
the captivity were told, David turned to his 
wife and said: 

‘‘ Yes, your way was the best way after all, 
Mary. See how blessed a return that poor 
wounded and almost dying Shawanee has made. 
With his life, if need be, he was determined 
to repay the debt. And to think that they call 
us friends, these red men with whom I expect 
to do much trading after a while! Son, that 
was surely the best day’s work you ever did 
when you bound up the wounds of Blue Jacket, 
and took him in by our fireside. I will never 
forget the lesson, wife. Our bread cast upon 


254 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


the waters did return, and that before many 
days. ^ ’ 

And the gentle Mary only said in reply : 

‘‘ Still have faith that the other cloud will 
yet be lifted in good time, David! ’’ 


CHAPTEE XXIV 


THE FEATHEEED MESSAGE 

Look up there on the roof of the cabin! 
What can it bel 

It was about a week after the return of the 
two hoys from the Shawanee village. During 
this time they had made several trips into the 
great forest, and never failed to bring home 
game, for there seemed a great abundance 
around the new settlement on the Ohio. 

The men had used their keen-edged axes well, 
and the trees were falling fast. It was even 
hoped that the small gardens would prove prof- 
itable, and that they might have other crops, 
besides the Indian corn that grew so well in 
this climate. 

The brief visit of Daniel Boone and his com- 
rades had had one natural etfect upon the two 
brothers. They began to copy the frontiers- 
man style of dress, as the best fitted for the life 
they expected to lead from this time forward. 

Moccasins they had already; but now their 
mother was called upon to fashion for her boys 
255 


256 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


hunting tunics of tanned buckskin, which in 
turn were fringed, as had been those worn by 
Kenton and the others. Besides, covering for 
their legs was made from the same material, 
and appeared similarly decorated. 

Bob had made a cap for himself out of the 
well-tanned skins of several raccoons he had 
trapped, with one of the beautifully marked 
tails dangling down the back, like that of his 
hero, Simon Kenton. 

Sandy, on his part, had done the same with 
some skins of gray squirrels, also using the 
bushy tails to complete the adornment, so that 
together the Armstrong boys presented a 
hunter-like appearance by the time these vari- 
ous additions to their wardrobe were com- 
pleted. 

When they appeared in these new outfits 
both lads felt that they could now begin to call 
themselves pioneers in earnest. 

On this particular day Bob and Sandy had 
planned a delightful trip up the river in their 
canoe, seeking new fields for hunting; and 
looking into the possibilities of the rd^ion for 
the trapping season, that would begin when the 
leaves were dropping from the trees in Octo- 
ber. 


THE FEATHERED MESSAGE 


257 


It was Sandy who had given utterance to 
the exclamation with which this chapter opens. 
Bob had followed him out of the cabin. The 
sun was just peeping above the wooded hills 
away off in the east, and they sniffed the early 
morning air with delight; but one who could 
read the signs of the weather might have seen 
something about the coppery hue of that rising 
orb that showed that the long delayed Spring 
rains would soon burst upon the country. 

Seeing where Sandy was pointing, Bob also 
looked, and his surprise exceeded that of his 
younger brother when he saw the object that 
was sticking in the middle of the sloping 
roof. 

<< Why, it is a feathered Indian arrow! he 
cried. 

How strange! And what can that be tied 
to it. Bob! asked the other. 

Here, boost me up and I will get it; then 
we can tell all about it,’^ answered Bob, who 
did not believe in wasting time in talk when 
the solution of the mystery was so easy to 
learn. 

So Sandy gave him a hand, and the agile 
lad quickly gained the low roof; for the new 
cabin, while commodious, was only one story 


258 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


high, with a low loft above the living room and 
just under the roof. 

Bob took the arrow from the roof. He seemed 
to use more or less vigor in order to extract 
the flint head, showing that it had come down 
with considerable force after its aerial flight. 

Oh! I remember now,’’ said Sandy, sud- 
denly arousing. 

What?'” demanded the other, as he pre- 
pared to jump to the ground, holding the feath- 
ered missile carefully in one hand. 

<< Why,” said Sandy, eagerly, something 
seemed to arouse me just about daybreak. It 
sounded like a stone thrown against the house. 
But I thought father was up, and getting the 
fire ready, so mother could cook breakfast; 
and I went to sleep again. Bob, that must have 
been the time the arrow dropped on the roof! ” 

Yes, that was the time,” answered Bob; 

for the one who held the bow could never 
have seen how to aim in the night, even though 
there was a moon. ’ ’ 

Aim, do you say, brother? Is it possible 
then he meant to stick that arrow in our roof 
rather than any other? ” demanded Sandy, 
startled. 

‘‘ I surely do believe it. See, here is a mes- 


THE FEATHERED MESSAGE 


259 


sage fastened to the shaft by little threads 
drawn from the fibre of cane! and Bob held 
up the piece of birch bark, which Sandy now 
saw contained various rude designs possibly 
drawn with a sharp-pointed eagle quill, dipped 
in the juice of the poke berry. 

Blue Jacket! ’’ he exclaimed involuntarily, 
for suddenly he remembered that other unique 
message which the young Shawanee warrior 
had left, at the time he had slipped away from 
the cabin of the Armstrongs. 

‘‘ Yes, that is the plainest thing of all,’’ re- 
marked Bob, for you see here at the end 
there is what is meant to be the figure of a 
man, an Indian, too, for he has feathers in his 
hair; and his jacket is daubed with a blue 
stain. But what puzzles me is to read these 
signs. Come, sit down here. Perhaps two 
heads may prove better than one, and you are 
quick at such things.” 

‘‘Oh! if only Pat O’Mara were here now, 
how quickly he would read it all,” said Sandy, 
screwing up his forehead as he scanned the 
several lines of strange figures. 

“ This must mean the sun, all right,” re- 
marked Bob, pointing to the first rude repre- 
sentation in the line. 


260 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


They both turned to look at the king of 
day as though understanding that the Indian 
artist meant to call their attention that 
way. 

‘‘ Well,” remarked Sandy, “ the old fellow 
does look angry this morning. And then the 
sky all around has a coppery hue. That must 
mean more dry weather, brother.” 

But Bob shook his head. He had seen some- 
thing more in those queer picture paintings 
that caught his attention. 

No, I think you are wrong, Sandy,” he 
observed slowly. See, here is what he surely 
means for rain pouring down. And further 
along is what must be the river rushing 
along, bank-full. I begin to see what it is, 
brother. ’ ’ 

‘‘ A warning to the white settlers? ” said 
Sandy quickly. 

What else can it mean? And look at this 
figure standing here; what do you make of 
him? ” asked the other, pointing. 

Oh! I know! cried Sandy, his face light- 
ing up. “ See how he is decked out with all 
sorts of things, bells and such! And in his 
hands he holds gourds that contain dried 
beans, to rattle when he shakes them. Yes, 


THE FEATHERED MESSAGE 


261 


that must be the old medicine man I told you 
about. But what has he got to do with the 
rains'? 

‘‘ Now I understand it all,’’ declared Boh, 
with a smile. 

‘‘ Then I wish you would tell me,” remarked 
his brother, for to tell the truth I don’t seem 
able to grasp it.” 

‘‘ The old medicine man has been talking 
again with the Manitou,” said Bob, ‘‘ and has 
learned that the rain will soon come along, 
making a flood of the river. Perhaps he knows 
this from some sign, like the angry sun; but 
he pretends that the information was given to 
him from the Great Spirit.” 

And Blue Jacket,” cried Sandy, “ believ- 
ing all he says, has thought it worth while to 
come all the way over here, lame as he is, to 
warn us ! That was good of him. He is afraid 
some of us may be caught napping. But how 
much better if he had only slipped into the set- 
tlement, and talked with us. ’ ’ 

But Blue Jacket is an Indian, with all the 
cunning and caution of the red men,” Bob re- 
plied. ‘‘ He knows that all palefaces do not 
think alike; and he feared lest a guard should 
shoot him on sight. No, I am glad he was wise. 


262 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Think how we should grieve if he were killed 
in our midst.’’ 

But about the warning? Shall you tell 
father, and have him spread the news? ” asked 
the younger boy. 

To be sure. It can do no harm, even if it 
prove to be a false alarm. They will under- 
stand the motive that sent Blue Jacket over 
here again. And, Sandy, perhaps father may 
want us to give up that long canoe trip we had 
planned for to-day.” 

At that Sandy’s face fell. 

Oh! I hope not! ” he exclaimed, quickly. 
“ For I have been looking forward ever so 
much to exploring that country away to the 
east, and up the river. Pat told us that on the 
other shore, above, the game was thicker than 
any place he knew. We must get off to-day, 
brother! What if the rain does come, we are 
neither sugar nor salt, but strong enough to 
stand much.” 

Well, perhaps father may not think much 
of the old medicine man’s belief. And, as you 
say, surely we are able to take care of our- 
selves. I am hoping myself that father may 
not forbid our going,” said Bob. 

So Sandy, with an object in view, made it 


THE FEATHERED MESSAGE 


263 


a point, when they told. their father of the 
strange warning sent by their good friend Blue 
J acket, to speak of the medicine man as a great 
fraud, who was certainly not worth consid- 
ering. 

Whether David was influenced by what he 
said, or really believed the danger to be over- 
rated, he did not offer any particular objec- 
tions to the boys’ expedition. 

Hurrah! ” cried Sandy, as they reached 
the place where the canoe was hauled up on 
the sandy beach. Now for a jolly paddle up 
the river, and a visit to that unknown shore 
over the water, where buffalo and deer are as 
thick as peas, and asking to be shot. ’ ’ 

Bob was not as enthusiastic, although doubt- 
less he, too, anticipated more or less pleasure 
from the excursion. They did not expect to 
be back that night, unless their plans miscar- 
ried; but before another sun had set they 
meant to at least be on their way homeward. 

Soon they were paddling merrily up the 
river. There was not a cloud overhead, and 
the sun seemed to give promise of exerting 
unusual warmth for so early in the season. 

Poor old medicine man,” laughed Sandy, 
as he glanced around at the bright picture, and 


264 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


then thought of the warning message. So 
we are to beware of the river’s rising wrath, 
are we? Seems to be quiet enough just now, 
brother! ” 

“ Yes,” was all that Bob replied; for some- 
how he seemed to have some foreboding of 
coming trouble, though he did not want to tell 
Sandy of this, lest the light-hearted one laugh 
at his fears, which after all might come to 
nothing. 

About noon they crossed to the other shore. 
Out in the middle of the river they found that 
it required considerable muscle to keep the 
canoe from losing in the fight with the swiftly 
gliding, though noiseless, current. 

They determined not to land just yet. Sandy 
remembered how Pat O’Mara had told about 
a certain wonderful cove further up the stream, 
where they could hide their boat while they 
hunted. Besides, there was less danger of run- 
ning across any hostiles the further they went 
in the direction of Fort Pitt; since after the 
last great Indian battle the red tribes had re- 
treated westward. 

It proved much further than they had been 
led to believe from what the Irish trapper had 
said ; or else progress against that current was 


THE FEATHERED MESSAGE 


265 


slower than they had calculated. At any rate, 
the hour was not far from sunset when they 
finally sighted the cove that was to be their 
landing place. 


CHAPTER XXV 


AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD 

Now to land! ’’ cried Sandy, as they turned 
the head of the canoe toward shore. 

“ Less noise, brother,” whispered Bob; for 
the impetuous one was forever forgetting that 
a frontiersman must learn that silence is the 
price of safety when in the woods where the 
red man dwells. 

But why do you keep looking up at the 
sky so much? ” went on Sandy. Just be- 
cause it has clouded up, is no sign it will rain. 
Have we not heard that all signs fail in dry 
weather? And, even if that old humbug of a 
medicine man pretends he has had it direct 
from Manitou, I see no reason for being 
alarmed. Let it rain if it chooses. We can 
hunt in wet clothes as well as in dry.” 

“ Surely,” replied Bob, pretending to throw 
aside his doubts, for he saw no reason why 
Sandy should share them ; if trouble came they 
would know how to meet it. 

So they landed in the snug little cove. 

266 


AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD 


267 


‘‘ Shall we stake the canoe out here in the 
rushes? asked Sandy. 

'' Not this time/' replied Boh. '' Take hold, 
and we will carry it up to that clump of hushes 
yonder. It can lie there safe until we come 
again. ' ' 

Oh! " laughed Sandy, ‘‘ I see you still be- 
lieve the river will rise suddenly, and threaten 
to carry off our only means of getting home ! ' ' 
Who knows? " replied the other, quite un- 
moved hy the accusation; and, if it did 
come, we would be very glad that we had taken 
time by the forelock. Besides, it is not much 
further. ' ’ 

. Having secreted the boat and both paddles, 
they concluded to go some little way back, to 
camp for the night. 

‘‘We must do what Pat says all borderers 
do when in the enemy's country — make a very 
small fire to cook with, and hide that so that 
not even the keenest eye could discover it," 
observed Bob, as they walked on through the 
forest, both on the watch for game of any 
sort. 

“ Well, it will be highly amusing, at least," 
admitted Sandy; “ though, unless we are 
lucky enough to run across game very soon. 


268 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


we shall have to make our supper off that dried 
venison ; and that I do not like. ’ ’ 

Hist! ’’ 

Bob suddenly caught the sleeve of his broth- 
er's hunting shirt. Following the direction in 
which the other seemed to be looking, Sandy 
caught a glimpse of some moving object to lee- 
ward. 

^ ‘ A buffalo ! Two, three of them ! Oh ! Bob, 
what a chance! ’’ he gasped. 

The other drew him down instantly, so that 
the bushes screened them. 

Now let us crawl up as close as we dare. 
When we get within good gunshot we will both 
fire at the same time,’^ he whispered in the ear 
of his companion. 

Bob, as usual, seemed perfectly calm, while 
of course the younger boy was fairly quivering 
with eagerness. Still, this would not prevent 
Sandy from giving a good account of himself 
when the time came to shoot, for he always 
fired off-hand at any rate, rather than by long 
sight, as some marksmen do. 

It was fortunate that the wind, what little 
seemed to be stirring through the forest just 
then, was coming from the feeding buffalo, and 
toward the hunters. This prevented the sus- 


AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD 


269 


picious animals from scenting their human ene- 
mies. 

The boys made fair progress, taking advan- 
tage of clumps of bushes, trunks of trees, and 
fallen timber. 

‘‘ Slower,’’ whispered Bob in his brother’s 
ear. They are getting uneasy. Notice how 
often that old bull throws up his head and 
sniffs the air? He trots away, only to come 
back again to his family. Now, again forward. 
This log will give us a good boost, I think.” 

We don’t want the old bull,” Sandy man- 
aged to say in the other’s ear. 

Hardly. He’d be too tough eating. You 
take the half-grown calf, and leave the cow 
to me,” said the older hunter; and then made 
a gesture that prohibited further communica- 
tions. 

Presently Bob realized that they had crept 
as close as seemed necessary. 

He caught the eye of Sandy, and nodded his 
head. Knowing what the programme was to 
be, for they had gone through it many times 
together, the other gradually managed to raise 
himself to a position where he had one knee on 
the ground. This was an ideal position for 
shooting, as it gave him a chance to rest his 


270 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


elbow on the other knee, to steady himself at 
the final instant. 

To Bob it was given to pick the time of fir- 
ing. He had to watch closely, in order to make 
sure that both animals selected were free from 
trees, so that they might not uselessly waste 
precious ammunition. 

Shoot! ’’ he said, quickly. 

Bang! roared his own heavily-charged mus- 
ket. The cow went floundering down, and 
never again arose, for Bob’s aim had been 
true. 

Sandy was not quite so fortunate. Just at 
the second when Bob gave the word to fire, the 
half-grown young buffalo chanced to step be- 
hind a large tree trunk, so that it was out of 
the question to dispose of him while standing 
still. 

With the report the alarmed animals started 
to run wildly away. But Sandy had of course 
been expecting this, and was quick to shoot. 

He gave a shout as he saw the prize fall. 
Bob, on his part, was a little worried lest the 
bull charge them; but that old worthy was 
already in full flight, doubtless in the belief 
that the others of his family would rejoin him, 
when their little fright, concerning those light- 


AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD 


271 


ning flashes and thunder crashes coming from 
the bushes, had died away. 

Here was great luck truly. All the game 
they could possibly carry home, and within car- 
rying distance of the spot where the canoe had 
been secreted. 

They made camp at once. There was no tent 
to erect, so when Bob had removed the two 
hides, a laborious task even with Sandy’s help, 
and started to cut the carcasses up, Sandy 
erected a lean-to of branches, bark and leaves, 
that would serve fairly well in case it did rain. 
Then came a little fire, built as Bob directed, 
in a cavity, where its light would never be seen 
beyond ten paces. 

After that supper was begun. And some of 
the meat from the young buffalo bull proved 
most tender eating. 

‘ ‘ Hark ! ’ ’ said Bob, as they were browning 
their fourth helping at the end of long wooden 
splinters thrust into the ground near the little 
mass of red embers. 

Sandy made an involuntary dive for his gun, 
as he ejaculated: 

What did you hear? Was it the whoop 
of an Indian? Have they discovered us after 
all? ” 


272 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


It has begun to rain, that is all/^ answered 
Bob, smiling; for he had heard the first drops 
beginnii^ to patter among the dead leaves. 

“ Is mat all? Why, it is hardly worth men- 
tioning. And you did give me a start, to be 
sure. I’m glad we finished our supper before 
those clouds took to leaking.” 

It seemed a trifling thing just then; but in 
the end it was freighted with momentous hap- 
penings connected with the fortunes of those 
two young pioneers of the Ohio. 

Presently the rain was coming down hard, 
so that the two lads were only too glad to crawl 
under the shelter that had been built. 

In less than an hour Sandy was bemoaning 
the fact that he had not, while he was about it, 
made the wattled roofing twice as thick, as it 
would have shed the rain to better advantage. 

That was certainly a night they would not 
soon forget; and of course it was Sandy who 
complained the most, for Bob could take his 
punishment in grim silence, Indian fashion. 

When morning comes, we must try to get 
home ! ’ ’ declared the younger pioneer, as he 
crouched there and shivered. 

‘‘We are so wet now that nothing could 
make us feel any worse,” declared Bob. “ I 


AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD 


273 


am going to try to weave a heavier roof, for 
the night is hardly half over.” 

A good idea,” echoed Sandy. 

They set to work; and by the time an hour 
had gone by, were able to keep the furious rain 
from beating in on their guns. 

Sleep was entirely out of the question, and 
they could only sit there exclSinging a few 
words to cheer one another up, and praying 
for the morning to come. 

It seemed never to dawn, and Sandy really 
began to declare that it was three nights 
wrapped in one, when his brother called his 
attention to a faint gray light in the east. 

The rain was still falling in sheets, so that 
the prospect looked poor indeed. Again was 
the voice of Sandy heard, lamenting the fact 
that in all likelihood they must go without any 
breakfast, which, in the eyes of a growing and 
always hungry boy, was next door to a crime. 

'' Perhaps not,” said Bob; '' just wait until 
the day has really come, when we can see 
around. Surely there must be dead trees some- 
where close by; and you know how dry the 
heart keeps. We have tinder, and we will have 
a fire yet.” 

That promise sustained Sandy, for he could 


274 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


never remember when Bob gave his word with- 
out keeping it. Nor was it broken in the pres- 
ent instance. The rain never gave the slight- 
est sign of stopping, although it must have 
deluged the headquarters of the great Ohio, 
and caused the river to rise many feet an hour. 
But Bob sallied forth, scorning the wet, to re- 
turn presently, staggering under a load of fuel 
of a resinous nature, and calculated to bum, 
despite the storm. 

And it did; for soon, when the expert had 
applied his flint and steel to the dry tinder, in 
the midst of which a little powder had been 
dropped, the fire started, and in half an hour 
its genial heat did much to chase away the 
blues. 

It had been built close enough to their shelter 
so that the boys could sit and cook pieces of 
tender buffalo meat on the end of their reeds. 
And for perhaps upward of two hours they 
amused themselves in this fashion. 

‘‘ Now I feel able to carry my share of the 
game down to the boat, if you say the word,’’ 
announced Sandy. And, as I live, I believe 
the rain does not come quite as heavily as be- 
fore. Let us be on the move ! ” 

Bob was not quite so sur6 that there would 


AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD 


275 


be any break in the storm; but on the whole 
he could not hold back. Surely the river would 
continue to rise for days after such a cloud- 
burst ; and unless they crossed soon they must 
stay on the opposite shore a week, perhaps two. 

When they reached the bushes where the 
canoe had been hidden, the craft was found 
just as they had left it. 

We had better tie the packages of meat 
and our guns inside the canoe, said long- 
headed Bob; for then, if we happen to be 
upset, they will not be lost.” 

A good idea,” replied his brother. ‘‘‘ But 
I hope we are not so unlucky as to be turned 
over out there,” and he cast an apprehensive 
look upon the rushing surface of the flooded 
Ohio. 

Neither of the lads had had any experience 
in such an emergency; nor could they be ex- 
pected to realize the terrible power that cur- 
rent possessed. It ran smoothly, and without 
any churning, but, once within its grip, it would 
require muscles of steel to guide* a boat like 
the skin canoe belonging to Blue Jacket. 

It was already nearly noon. The sky was 
leaden, and the rain constantly falling. Surely 
the old medicine man of the Shawanees was 


276 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


for once having his prophecy bountifully ful- 
filled. 

It was with considerable misgivings that 
Bob, yielding to the importunities of his im- 
pulsive brother, decided to enter the frail canoe 
and start to cross that churning flood toward 
the other shore. Sandy had artfully mentioned 
the fact that the little mother would be anxious 
about their safety. 

And,’’ he had continued, we can be head- 
ing toward the other bank all the time, even 
if the current does carry us downstream at a 
furious rate.” 

They had not gone a quarter of the way 
across before Bob knew they had made a big 
mistake. For the little boat was a mere play- 
thing in the grasp of the furious current. They 
could make progress neither one way nor the 
other. All the while they were being swept 
along with the speed of a mill-race, held fast 
in that overpowering grip of the flood ! 


CHAPTER XXVI 


THE SINKING CRAFT 

This looks bad! ’’ said Bob. 

He had to raise his voice much above the 
ordinary, for out there on the river the rush- 
ing water did not seem so silent as the boys 
had believed when ashore ; and all around them 
could be heard the boiling of the flood. Tree 
trunks floated around them in all directions, 
showing what an unusual thing this sudden rise 
of the river must be. There was constant dan- 
ger lest one of these tremendous snags sink 
the delicate little skin boat ; and often the boys 
had to use their paddles like mad to prevent 
such a catastrophe from happening. 

And once, even a more singular peril threat- 
ened them. It was Sandy who made the dis- 
covery, shortly after Bob had uttered the re- 
mark given above. 

Oh! look yonder, brother; whatever can 
that be, perched up in that tree-top? It moved 
then, and we are getting closer to it all the 
while! ’’ he exclaimed. 

277 


278 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Bob needed only one look to tell him the na- 
ture of the object. 

“It is a panther, Sandy,’’ he said, quickly, 
and with a shake of his head. “ A big cat of 
the wilderness; and, as Colonel Boone said, 
the thing most to be feared in all the forest, 
for it jumps on the hunter from behind. See 
his sleek gray sides! And notice how he 
swings his long tail back and forth! I do not 
think we want to get any closer to the gentle- 
man, do you, Sandy! ” 

“ See him crouch. Bob! ” cried the other 
boy, in alarm. “ Do you think he means to 
jump for the boat! What if he did, and upset 
us out here! That would be terrible! Let us 
shout together, and scare him, if we can ! ’ ’ 

They did so, at the same time working fever- 
ishly to urge the boat further away from the 
drifting tree-top, which had come to be the ref- 
uge of the wood’s terror. 

Bob cast an apprehensive eye at the distance 
separating them. Could the animal clear it, 
if he decided to jump! Would he dream of 
changing his base in the hope of bettering his 
condition! 

In fact. Bob was just considering whether it 
would not be wiser for him to rely on his gun, 


THE SINKING CRAFT 


279 


if the priming could be renewed in time, rather 
than in the hope of leaving the beast in the 
lurch, when Sandy cried out gleefully : 

We^re gaining. Bob! Keep paddling like 
mad, and we shall make it. Already he hesi- 
tates, and dares not try ! A strong pull, a long 
pull, and a pull all together now. Hurrah! 
who cares'? ’’ 

It was hard to quench that lad’s spirit. And 
somehow, even in such a moment of alarm, his 
buoyant courage did much to renew Bob’s 
sinking hopes. 

By increasing their pace, already incredibly 
swift, down the stream, they had managed to 
leave the panther and his tree-top in the lurch. 
There was no longer anything to be feared 
from that source. 

Are we making any progress at all? ” 
asked Sandy, who was pretty well exhausted 
from his exertions. 

In one direction, yes; but toward the home 
shore I’m afraid not at all,” was Bob’s frank 
reply. 

Blit what shall we do? cried the younger 
boy, in rapidly growing alarm ; for by now the 
situation was beginning to impress even his 
buoyant nature. We can never keep on like 


280 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


this all day, for the river grows constantly 
wider, and the flood stronger. Besides, Bob, 
I ’m afraid the canoe is beginning to leak ! ’ ’ 

Now, Bob had known that terrible fact for 
some little time, but hesitated to tell his 
brother, feeling sure that nothing they could 
do would mend matters. 

‘‘ I have been thinking, Sandy; and there 
seems only one chance for ns now,’’ he said, 
trying to look ahead down the river. 

Oh! I hope yon don’t mean that we will 
have to swim for it! ” cried the other, aghast 
at the idea of finding himself buffeting the 
flood, with either shore far away. 

‘‘No, I hope that may not come — yet 
a while, at least. But I was thinking of the 
island! ” said Bob. 

“ The island! Oh! how did I come to for- 
get that? ” shouted Sandy, immediately begin- 
ning to show signs of new ambition. “ Yes, 
that is it. Bob! We must try to land on the 
island, if it is still above water.” 

“ Oh ! ” declared Bob, quickly, ‘ ‘ part of it 
must be, for you remember it had quite a little 
hill on it.” 

“ Yes, yes, for I spoke about the splendid 
tree that crowned the top, and said how I would 


THE SINKING CRAFT 


281 


like to own a cabin up under its shelter. But 
perhaps we have gone past the island! That 
would be terrible, wouldn’t it, Bob? ” 

Surely. But I am positive that is not true. 
I am looking to see it at any moment now. 
And, Sandy, just as soon as it comes ipto view, 
we must paddle like everything to make it. 
Once we fly past, and it is all over with us ! ” 
The two castaways looked at each other, and 
each set his teeth with a determination to do 
wonders should the occasion call for it. 

Do you suppose we are anywhere on a line 
with the island? ” asked Sandy, a new fear 
taking possession of him. 

Bob shook his head. 

I don’t know. It is impossible to tell any- 
thing in all this noise and confusion. But I 
think so; I hope so,” he replied. 

Both now settled down to watching the wa- 
tery vista that stretched beyond. The wind 
was driving the rain out there on the river, 
so that at times a curtain seemed to be raised 
before them, only to fade away as the rain 
again held up for a brief interval. 

Bob cast an occasional glance full of appre- 
hension down at the water that was coming 
into the canoe. He knew that the leak must 


282 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


be growing, slowly but surely. Could they 
manage to make land before the boat filled 
and sank under them? 

<< There! I saw the island, I am sure! ” 
cried Sandy, in a ringing tone. ‘ ‘ But the rain 
has come back, and it is hidden again,’’ he 
added in disgust. 

Which way? ” shouted Bob. 

Over to the right! We must be just a 
little too far out! ” replied Sandy. 

‘ ‘ Then let us get to work ! Head in toward 
the shore we have left, and do your very hard- 
est, boy! ” cried Bob. 

Both of the lads dipped the paddles deeply. 
As before, they found that it required a giant’s 
strength to accomplish anything worth while 
when pitted against that tremendous energy 
contained in the swift-moving flood. 

Fortunately Sandy had recuperated in the 
brief time he had rested from his efforts, so 
that he was able to do himself credit now, when 
so much depended on changing their location. 

The bare thought of missing the friendly 
island, and being carried on down that raging 
torrent, possibly to meet death somewhere be- 
low, was enough to make any one, even more 
tired than Sandy, swing his blade with a vim. 


THE SINKING CRAFT 


283 


‘ ‘ Oh ! we can never do it, Bob ! ^ Mie gasped. 

''Never say die! Keep at it, I tell you! 
It is our only chance! was what came back 
from the other wielder of the spruce paddle. 

The island could now be plainly seen. It did 
not look so large by half as when they had seen 
it on going up the river ; but the more elevated 
parts were standing well out of the flood. On 
the upper end was a mass of accumulated 
debris in the shape of stranded trees and 
logs. 

Poor Sandy looked, and a groan burst from 
his lips, for he feared they would not be able 
to overcome the current sufficiently to bring 
their little craft close enough to that friendly 
shore to enable them to land! 

And Bob, who clung so desperately to hope, 
knew that there was absolutely no chance for 
them to reach a landing spot at the upper end, 
even if they had wanted to mix up with all 
that ma^s of interlocked trees. 

He had grasped the situation in a compre- 
hensive way, and sized it up. 

The island was narrow, but somewhat 
lengthy. Of course the current ran like a mill- 
race along the shore. But Bob knew that be- 
low, where the two opposite tides met once 


284 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


more, there was bound to be somewhat of a 
reaction. Here a little backward swirl would 
be found, a sort of undertow, bearing upstream 
toward the foot of the island. 

It would only extend for a limited distance. 
Once they got beyond that drawback, and there 
was absolutely no hope of making land ! 

And that was the one thing he had in mind 
when he sang out so encouragingly to his 
weaker brother : 

‘ ‘ It is our only chance ! ’ ’ 

Sandy was paddling with all his nerve, but 
not making a very great success of the effort. 
In fact, he was so winded that he hardly knew 
when he dipped his blade in the yeasty water, 
or drew it quaveringly toward him. 

Still, he was game, and would not give up 
so long as he could move a hand. What little 
he could do to help might not stand for much, 
but every bit helped, and even in his great dis- 
tress Sandy realized this. 

He could see his brother fighting like mad 
to swerve the boat still further toward that 
shore, now so very close. It did not seem pos- 
sible that Bob could be equal to the slightest 
additional call upon his reserve forces. 

Now they had actually reached the upper 


THE SINKING CRAFT 


285 


end of the island, and were commencing to 
speed along its length, 

A minute or so more, and they would know 
their fate. Everything seemed to depend on 
that last turn, when the canoe arrived at the 
junction of the two currents, just below the 
foot of the haven of safety. 

‘ ‘ On the outer side — change over and help 
me! ’’ shouted Bob, knowing that the critical 
moment was at hand. 

Sandy started hastily to obey, jumping at 
conclusions. But once more his nervousness 
played him a scurvy trick. 

Oh! it is gone! Bob heard him shriek 
suddenly, and, glancing up, the elder brother 
saw what had happened. The fierce sweep of 
the current had snatched the paddle from San- 
dy’s weakened hand, and it was already float- 
ing far beyond his reach ! 


CHAPTER XXVII 


BOB 

The situation liad suddenly grown more 
desperate. 

Deprived of what assistance Sandy might 
have given him, Bob must shoulder the entire 
burden. Perhaps the other had not been doing 
much, but his weak efforts must surely have 
helped a little. 

Bob instinctively moved back. This would 
give him greater power to swing the head of 
the dancing canoe toward the objective point; 
for the paddler in the stern usually commands 
the course of the boat better than his comrade 
placed in the bow, though the latter guards 
against collisions, where rocks or stumps 
abound. 

The time was so frightfully short that what- 
ever was done had to be carried out by sheer 
instinct, rather than reasoning. 

Sandy, utterly exhausted, and with his poor 
heart almost broken because of this new catas- 
trophe which could be laid to his eager clum- 
286 


BOB 


287 


siness, had dropped back in the bottom of the 
canoe. Here he lay in several inches of water, 
so discouraged that he was for the moment 
utterly unmindful of what was going on around 
him. 

Of course he knew that Bob was working 
like a frantic being to push the wavering bow 
just a little closer to the shore they were so 
rapidly skirting. But it was all useless. His 
blunder had spoiled their last hope, and now 
nothing remained but to take what came. 

How wonderful it was to see how Bob arose 
to the occasion. His arms were working like 
flails in the hands of a thresher of grain. They 
sped backward and forward with a momentum 
that fairly bewildered the eyes of Sandy. 

But alas! there was one stupendous draw- 
back, one thing that seemed fated to undo all 
this splendid work which his gallant brother 
was putting into play. Sandy saw, and groaned 
in spirit; for that was where he might have 
saved the day had he not lost his grip on his 
paddle when the hungry waves snatched at it. 

It was the lost motion that would ruin them. 
Fast though Bob was making his apparently 
tireless arms move, he could not keep up a 
constant movement. And between his strokes 


288 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


that ceaseless current would undo nearly every 
bit of good that had been accomplished by his 
efforts. 

Had Sandy been able to insert his blade be- 
tween, he might have held the canoe to what 
had been gained. And each time Bob would 
have won more and more inches. 

And yet, despite this serious handicap. Bob 
was actually doing wonders. Surely they did 
not seem to be quite so far away from the shore 
as when they first came abreast of the long 
island ! 

Sandy awoke to the fact that perhaps after 
all there was a glimmer of hope. 

Oh! if you only can, Bob! ’’ he cried, be- 
stirring himself. 

Was there anything he could do to help! He 
thought of leaning over the side of the canoe, 
and using his poor hands to dash at the water, 
on whose swiftly moving bosom they were be- 
ing swept along. 

Useless, worse than useless, for in so doing 
he might only serve to weaken Bob’s furious 
efforts, by shaking the frail and almost sinking 
boat. 

His gun — could he not do something with 
the broad shoulder butt to urge the canoe 


BOB 


289 


around? Sandy was a creature of impulse. 
He seldom waited to give a second thought 
to anything, once it found lodgment in his 
brain. 

So he made a swoop forward, snatching the 
musket from the place where it had been fas- 
tened before the voyage was begun. The cord 
held, but with a second fierce jerk he broke it. 

Then, with a shout in which new hope had a 
part, Sandy dipped the stock of the old gun 
deep in the river, and swept it around toward 
the stern. 

Bob realized what he was doing. He could 
not look around, of course, since each second 
was priceless just then. Perhaps he under- 
stood from some trifling change in the move- 
ment of the canoe, when he drew his dripping 
blade out for another mad plunge, that a new 
element had taken hold. 

And it may have even spurred the brave lad 
to doing better than before, if such a thing 
could be. 

They were now rapidly approaching the 
lower end of the island. Bob’s eyes were fas- 
tened eagerly on that point. The rain had 
ceased temporarily, and he could see plainly. 
How he wished he had examined the cross cur- 


290 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


rents there more closely at the time they were 
leisurely paddling up stream ! 

There would only be time for about a dozen 
more quick energetic dips of the paddle. He 
must make each one tell. After that a great 
deal would depend on fortune whether they 
reached that line of foam which marked the 
edge of the drawback. If they could only attain 
a lodgment within that charmed half circle, he 
believed it would be possible to gain the 
land. 

Sandy was working again with feverish anxi- 
ety to undo the harm his mistake had wrought. 

The newly awakened hope gave him a ficti- 
tious strength, and, while the stock of an old 
flint-lock musket may not be the finest sort of a 
paddle in the world, there might be things much 
worse. 

Sandy knew they had a chance! He could 
see the head of the canoe, water-logged though 
the craft was at the time, and slow to respond 
to their efforts, turning toward the land, inch 
by inch. 

Yes, surely they were going to make it! If 
only Bob could keep up his strenuous work a 
dozen seconds longer all must be well. Once 
they reached the border of the cross currents. 


BOB 


291 


the tug would be relieved wonderfully, and they 
could urge their unwieldy craft into a har- 
bor ! 

He knew Bob would rise to the occasion. 
He could see him settling himself as if to let 
loose the very last atom of reserve strength 
there might lurk in his system. Gallant Bob! 
was his like ever known among the young pio- 
neers of the West? Nothing seemed able to 
crush his hopeful and determined spirit. What 
a brother to have; and how Sandy’s whole soul 
seemed to go out to him in that dreadful mo- 
ment, when their lives hung trembling in the 
balance ! 

Trust him for keeping a tight grip on his 
invaluable blade. There could never happen 
to wise Bob the same disaster that had over- 
whelmed Sandy with confusion. 

Three of the needed half-dozen sweeps had 
already been given. And the result seemed to 
be all that might have been expected, so that 
Sandy’s hopes rose higher with each stroke. 

They were gaining — they would make the 
ripple, and be saved from the horrors that lay 
further down that swollen stream ! 

And just when Sandy was about to burst out 
into a shout of joy, if his spent breath would 


292 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


allow of such a thing, he was suddenly plunged 
back again into the pit of despair. 

For there was an ominous sharp crack, a 
cry from Bob, and he held up the stump of his 
broken paddle. It had failed him at the critical 
moment ! 

Poor Sandy collapsed when he saw this sight. 
He dropped his now useless gun in the bottom 
of the canoe, and cowered there, shutting out 
the terrible sight of the island slipping past by 
covering his eyes with his hands. 

It had been so nearly accomplished that the 
catastrophe seemed all the more keen, and he 
could not bear to look at the receding haven 
which they had hoped to make their refuge. 

Of course now the canoe would be wholly in 
the power of the victorious current, which must 
carry it onward like a chip, until shortly the 
incoming water would attain such a level as to 
sink the craft. Then — but Sandy could not 
allow himself to picture what would happen 
when he and his brother were forced to battle 
with the cruel giants contained in those leaping 
waves. 

But what was this? Surely there was a jerk- 
ing motion to the craft that had been missing 
after Bob’s ill-fated paddle broke! 


BOB 


293 


Sandy wonderingly uncovered his eyes. He 
stared in dismay. Why, where was Bob? The 
place where he had set while working like a 
hero was deserted! Had he seen the folly of 
further resistance, and thrown himself over the 
side, welcoming the fate that seemed so cer- 
tain? 

Sandy half started up, cold with fear. The 
boat was still heading toward that end of the 
island, so close that he could easily have tossed 
a biscuit on the nearest bushes, half under 
water now ! 

Some unseen influence was evidently urging 
the canoe along its course, just as though a 
friendly giant, concealed from view under the 
rushing, tumultuous waters, had decided at the 
last instant to give the adventurous boys a 
parting chance. 

Then all at once the truth flashed over him. 
Why, to be sure, it was Bob! He had refused 
to be utterly cast down by the sudden reverse 
that snatched away his valuable paddle by 
snapping it in half. He had instantly plunged 
over the side of the boat. He was in the water, 
gripping the hesitating canoe, and striving 
with all his power to urge it into peaceful 
waters ! 


294 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


So Sandy again snatched up his abandoned 
gun, and, dipping the stock deep in the river ^s 
foam, strove to add what little assistance he 
could to the gallant efforts of the boy who 
would not give in. 

Inch by inch they began to win out. Sandy’s 
heart seemed to be in his mouth during that 
critical period, when the boat actually balanced 
between two courses. Then, as though Bob had 
given a last tremendous lunge, it selected the 
easier alternative, and headed for the point of 
the island! 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


A EESCUE 

OvEEBOARD with you, and help! ’’ 

Yes, yes, Bob; I’m coming! ” 

Sandy seemed to be given a new lease of 
life. Hope brought fresh powers of endurance. 
Without an instant’s delay he slid over the end 
of the canoe, and into the flood. 

He was a swimmer, like every young pioneer 
who went into the wilderness with his people; 
and, as soon as Sandy put his shoulder to the 
now-lightened canoe, why of course its prog- 
ress toward the near-by point of land was con- 
siderably quickened. 

It was all right ! They could count on being 
able to make land, where the boat might be 
repaired, and their own flagging energies re- 
stored, ere they again breasted the swollen 
stream in the effort to reach the home shore. 

Now they could touch bottom with their feet. 
After that it was easy; so that soon the boat 
was dragged up on the land, safe from the 
swirling waters. 


295 


296 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Sandy tried to give a shout to signify how 
glad he felt; but there was not breath enough 
left in his lungs. All he could do was to sink 
down on the friendly shore, and pant like a 
winded deer. 

Bob followed suit. He was as exhausted as 
his brother; for his recent efforts had been 
simply tremendous. And, as he lay on the 
shore, there must have come to his heart that 
warm glow so natural to victory, when one has 
fought the good fight, and won. 

But not for long did Bob stay there on the 
ground. He knew that there was much to be 
done, since they were soaked to the skin, and 
shivering. Besides, the canoe must be emptied 
of the water it contained and dragged up 
higher; for no one could say to what limit the 
flood might attain ere it began to fall. 

And Sandy, seeing his intention, also 
dragged his weary frame erect. 

What ought we do first? he asked. 

Take hold, and we will empty out the 
canoe. Then let us try to make some sort of 
shelter from the rain ; after which a fire would 
be the next best thing. ’ ^ 

Sandy worked hard. He was cold, and his 
teeth rattled together in spite of the great 


A RESCUE 


297 


gratitude that filled his heart over their almost 
miraculous preservation. The sooner they got 
that campfire started, the better for them both. 

He went to work as on the other occasion, 
at the time they were preparing against the 
coming of this storm. Only now he had to 
accept just such substitutes as the island af- 
forded. 

Fortunately it was wooded, so that they need 
not lack for material. Some of the rocks of- 
fered a chance to build up side walls, over 
which the roof might slope, to shed the rain 
that was still coming down. 

It took time to accomplish all this, but prom- 
ised to repay their etforts. When the shelter 
was in a fair way toward being finished. Bob 
set to work starting a fire. Luckily he kept 
his tinder in a little waterproof box, held 
within his bag; and it had not sutfered from 
his immersion in the river. 

An adept with flint and steel, he quickly had 
the sparks flying, and a blaze began to spring 
up. This was fed with bits of dry wood, torn 
from the heart of a partly-dead tree, until there 
was enough fire to seize upon anything offered 
in the way of fuel. 

How good that feels! ’’ declared the shiv- 


298 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


ering Sandy, holding out his hands toward the 
leaping flames. 

I agree with you,’’ answered Bob, smiling 
just as of yore, as if the terrible events of the 
last half hour were only a dream. 

They cowered there under their shelter while 
their garments steamed in the now genial heat. 
With every passing minute both boys were 
feeling better. Sandy even began to cast cov- 
etous glances toward the buffalo meat, which 
was lying close at hand, as though his custom- 
ary appetite had once more started to let him 
know growing hoys must he often fed. 

Seeing this. Bob nodded his head. He was 
feeling drowsy, for the natural reaction after 
his recent tremendous exertions had set in; 
and this was augmented by the delicious 
warmth of the fine fire. 

So Sandy started to find a lot of reeds that 
would answer for toasting forks, on which bits 
of meat could be brought to a delightful stage 
when placed close to the blaze. 

It’s stopped raining. Boh! ” he declared, 
as he returned after his foraging expedition 
with all the reeds needed. 

I hope that is the end of it,” declared the 
other, though he poked his head out from his 


A RESCUE 


299 


shelter and surveyed the lowering heavens 
doubtingly. 

‘‘ Where do you think all this water is com- 
ing from? ’’ asked Sandy, looking across the 
broad river to the shore where, further down, 
the new settlement stood; and no doubt won- 
dering how they were ever going to cross that 
raging flood that was carrying hundreds of 
trees on its bosom. 

Oh, you forget that two rivers flow into 
this at Fort Pitt. Besides, there are other 
streams, all bank-full. It has been a terrible 
rain. Never in Virginia did we ever see any- 
thing like it.” 

How fortunate that there are hills all 
along the Ohio, where the flood cannot reach. 
No wonder Colonel Boone warned us never to 
build our cabins low down to the edge of the 
water. Why, Bob, just think what would have 
happened now had we foolishly done so! ” 

Yes,” remarked the other, as he cut off 
several pieces of meat to toast at the end of the 
reeds Sandy had tossed him. After this, 
perhaps some one I know will have more re- 
spect for the simple old medicine man who 
foretold just this flood. How about that, 
Sandy? ” 


300 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


“ He knew, sure enough,’^ admitted the 
other, readily; ‘‘ but just as you said, I be- 
lieve he guessed what was coming from the 
looks of the sky. The longer it held oif the 
worse it would be when it arrived. Say, this 
is what I call comfort, Bob. Think what a 
difference between our present condition, and 
when we were fighting for our lives out yon- 
der,” and Sandy shuddered as he cast a quick 
glance toward the spot where the two currents 
clashed after skirting the length of the island. 

After a while they were able to begin eating. 
Perhaps there might have seemed a sameness 
about this fare to a modern boy; but these 
hardy pioneer lads never dreamed of complain- 
ing. Indeed, their hearts were now filled with 
thanksgiving over their recent miraculous es- 
cape, and there was no room for regrets. Be- 
sides, they were not used to luxuries in those 
days. 

Sandy was drawing a long breath, as though 
really unable to finish all the food he had 
cooked, when he saw his brother start up. Bob 
was holding his head in a listening attitude. 

What did you think you heard? ” ex-^ 
claimed the other, in alarm. 

I must have been mistaken,” said Bob, 


A RESCUE 


301 


smiling; for it would be next to impossible 
for any one to be out here on this island right 
now. ’ ^ 

“ But did you think you heard some one 
call? ’’ persisted Sandy. 

Yes, it sounded like a shout. But no doubt 
it was some hawk that has found shelter, like 
ourselves, on the island. If we watch we will 
likely see him fly away, now that the rain has 
stopped.” 

Bob had ^hardly spoken when both brothers 
half sprang to their feet. 

It was a cry for help! ” exclaimed Sandy, 
looking at his brother, as usual expecting Bob 
to take the initiative in the emergency. 

Some one is in trouble! ” said the other, 
^ ‘ and it is up to us to see if we can do anything 
for him. Remember how we would have been 
crazy with joy had there been a helping hand 
held out when all seemed lost! ” 

^ ^ There it comes again ! And from the same 
place ! Whoever it is, he cannot be going past 
the island.” 

No,” cried Bob, I think he must have 
been thrown ashore among all that trash at the 
upper end, and, unable to help himself, is in 
danger of drowning there, caught in the piled 


302 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


up tree-tops. Come, we must get there and 
lend a hand.” 

‘‘ It may be an Indian, and a hostile,” re- 
minded Sandy. 

‘‘ I do not think so, for the shout seemed 
to call for ‘ help ! ’ But even if it is an Indian, 
surely you have reason for knowing that all 
Indians are not cruel and merciless. Remem- 
ber the gratitude of Blue Jacket. Come, 
Sandy! ” 

Bob hardly needed to say all this, for Sandy 
would not have held back. Together they made 
their way along the shore. It was not easy 
travelling, for the bushes grew thickly and in- 
terfered with their passage; but Bob led the 
way, and, accustomed to pushing through the 
woods, he surmounted all difficulties, Sandy 
coming close at his heels. 

In this fashion they finally came to the head 
of the island, where the floating trunks of dead 
trees, some with branches, too, formed a sort 
of barrier, which the force of the flood had 
swept up on the point. 

There, look yonder. Bob! I see him! ” 
cried Sandy, the instant they arrived. 

There was indeed a clinging figure out amid 
that mass of floating timber. The unknown 


A RESCUE 


303 


geemed to be endeavoring to crawl through the 
network surrounding him; but his strength 
had apparently reached its last notch. 

Bob never hesitated, but started out over 
the logs. Now and then he had to exercise con- 
siderable care lest he slip, and once more 
plunge into the roaring flood. 

‘‘ Stand where you are, Sandy,’’ he called to 
his brother, who had followed him. ‘ ^ Be ready 
to help when I give the word. I think I can 
get hold of him, and slew him around to you. 
Take care, and keep your footing! ” 

Evidently Bob knew just how to carry out 
his hastily-arranged plan, for in a brief time 
he had gripped the unknown by the arm, and 
was hanling him out of and over the wreckage 
that surrounded him. 

So by slow degrees they managed between 
them all to get ashore. Here the man col- 
lapsed. He was no doubt overcome by the joy- 
ful sense of safety, when he had apparently 
given himself up for lost. 

‘‘We must get him down to our little camp,” 
said Bob, as he looked at the exhausted man. 

“ Who can he be? ” questioned Sandy; for 
the bearded white face was totally unfamiliar 
to either of them. 


304 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


I do not know. Take hold of his feet, while 
I try to hold his shoulders. Between us we can 
carry him, step by step.” 

They had made a passage in going up, and 
it would have been easier returning had they 
not been burdened with the senseless stranger ; 
but, by resting frequently, the two boys finally 
managed to attain their end, and the man was 
laid alongside the fire. 

They started to rub the hands of the sufferer, 
to restore circulation, for he was evidently 
chilled to the bone, as well as utterly exhausted. 

No doubt the genial warmth of the fire had 
considerable to do with it; but the etforts of 
the boys counted as something, and presently 
they were rewarded by seeing the man’s eyes 
open. 

‘‘ He’s alive. Bob! We’re going to bring 
him around all right ! ’ ’ exclaimed Sandy. 

In five minutes the man could lie there and 
hold out his trembling hands to the fire. In 
ten he was sitting up, gnawing hungrily at a 
piece of roasted meat Sandy had handed him, 
as though he knew that in this way he would 
regain some of that strength which he had lost 
when engulfed in the flood. 

And sitting there, watching him curiously. 


A RCSCUIS 


305 


the two lads never once suspected how again 
their lucky star was in the ascendent ; and that 
in saving this stranger from a watery grave 
they were bringing happiness home to those 
they loved so dearly. 


CHAPTER XXIX 


WONDERFUL TIDINGS 

The man was so weak that presently he sank 
back and seemed to sleep. 

Is he going to die! asked Sandy, alarmed 
at his looks. 

‘‘Not just now,’’ replied his brother, sha- 
king his head as he spoke. “ You felt that 
heat of the fire yourself; and you see it has 
sent him to sleep. Here, cover him with my 
blanket. It is dry now, and will keep him 
warm. ’ ’ 

Leaving the stranger, who as yet had not 
spoken a word, the boys turned their attention 
to the leaky canoe. They knew how the Indi- 
ans managed to stop any such openings in their 
light boats, made of birch bark or buffalo 
hides ; and Bob had been wise enough to carry 
along some of the necessary pitch when start- 
ing out on this journey of exploration. 

“ Do you ever forget anything? ” demanded 
Sandy, when he saw his brother produce the 
306 


WONDERFUL TIDINGS 


307 


needed material for mending their boat, and 
start heating it over the fire. 

Oh! yes, often,’’ replied Bob, cheerfully; 
for he knew his own faults, even if Sandy re- 
fused to see them. And it was possible that 
we would run on a snag that would punch a hole 
in the boat ; so I came prepared to mend it. ’ ’ 

The boat had been carried near the fire some 
time before, in order that it might dry out. 
When the conditions were right Bob set to 
work. He had asked Blue Jacket many ques- 
tions regarding repairing canoes, when the 
young Shawanee brave was a guest under the 
Armstrong roof; and what he had learned 
proved of considerable value to him now. 

How will it hold? ” asked Sandy, who was 
hovering near, eager to lend a hand if his 
brother needed help. 

‘ ^ I think it will be stronger than ever, ’ ’ came 
the reply. 

‘ ‘ That was always a weak spot, I remember. 
Once, I thought my foot was going to break 
through,” declared Sandy, reminiscently. 

Just as you say. I noticed it myself, and 
that was one mistake I made. I should have 
put this patch on before we started on our 
trip,” and Bob stood back to survey his work. 


308 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


“ Well/’ remarked the younger lad, as his 
eyes went out over that tumbling flood, on 
which the trees were swiftly passing in pro- 
cesssion, we will need a good stout boat if 
we hope to get over there. Do you think we 
can manage it. Bob? I’d be willing to take 
some chances rather than stay here a week, 
perhaps two, and have mother crying her eyes 
out for us the while.” 

I see no reason why we shouldn’t make 
it,” came Bob’s reply. The current heads 
toward our shore. Besides, with three to pad- 
dle, we should be able, foot by foot, to get over. 
And when we once leave the middle of the river 
it will not be so bad.” 

Three! Then you expect that our new 
friend will be able to help out? ” and Sandy 
glanced toward the sleeping stranger. 

Surely. After he wakes up he will be 
stronger. And he does not look like one who 
would shirk. He must have struggled hard to 
reach that place where we found him. Perhaps 
he saw our fire through the trees, or heard 
you shout. That was what made him cry 
out. ’ ’ 

Bob had picked up a hatchet as he spoke, and 
started to move ofP. 


WONDERFUL TIDINGS 


309 


Let me cut some more fuel/’ objected 
Sandy, as he tried to take the tool from the 
other’s hands. 

It isn’t that,” said Bob. I am going to 
look for a piece of wood that can be chopped 
into new paddles. We need three of them, you 
see, and it is going to be a long job to fashion 
them, with only a hatchet and a jackknife to 
work with.” 

‘ ‘ Then I will go along. Perhaps two pair of 
eyes may be better than one in looking for the 
spruce pine, ’ ’ declared the younger brother, ea- 
gerly. 

And so it proved, for Sandy was the one to 
discover the tree they sought. Bob could figure 
just how the paddles might be hewn out, and he 
attacked the tree in a spirited way that soon 
encompassed its fall. 

When he tired, Sandy took a turn; and in 
this fashion they finally had three pieces, in 
the rough, which Bob declared would make 
very good paddles. And by slow degrees the 
first one was shaped until it only needed whit- 
tling with a knife to complete the job. 

That seems all right,” declared Sandy, as 
he proceeded to try the blade; and I give 
you my word that it is far stronger than either 


310 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


of the ones we lost. I mean to fasten my pad- 
dle, this time, to my wrist with a bit of buck- 
skin thong, and then, even if I lose my grip, 
it will never get away.’’ 

A clever idea,” answered Bob, pausing in 
his work to wipe his brow, and smile at his 
brother; and it will pay us all to do the 
same. Was it not father who told us how an 
ounce of prevention is better than a pound of 
cure? And once a paddle gets caught in the 
clutch of that river it can never be recovered 
again. ’ ’ 

‘‘See!” exclaimed Sandy, “our friend is 
stirring ! He is sitting up, and staring around 
him. I think he can hardly understand where 
he is, and how he came to cheat the river of 
a grave. Now he sees us, and smiles. Bob, 
there is something I like about that man, 
stranger though he is. I seem to feel that he 
is a friend, and that we will always be glad 
we rescued him to-day.” 

“ I am sure of that. There, the second pad- 
dle is about done. I am tired of the work, so 
let us go over to make the acquaintance of 
our guest. He is beckoning to us,” and 
Bob dropped his hatchet to obey the sum- 


mons. 


WONDERFUL TIDINGS 


311 


The stranger held out both hands, while his 
bearded face lighted up with a smile that, as 
Sandy had said, was very winning. 

‘‘ How can I ever thank you, boys, for what 
you have done? ” he said, as he pressed a hand 
of each. But for you I should have passed 
over to the other side.’^ 

Please do not say anything more,^^ replied 
Bob, who could not bear to be praised for sim- 
• ply doing his duty. Who may you be, and 
how did it happen that we found you among 
the tree-tops at the head of this island? ” 

My name is Silas Hemphill. With a party 
of others I was on my way down the river in 
a dugout canoe, intending to join our fortunes 
with the new settlers from Virginia, who lately 
came overland. We left Fort Pitt two days 
back, and were progressing fairly when this 
storm broke upon us. Doubtless we took too 
many chances, for we presently found our- 
selves in the grasp of the river, and could not 
return to shore.” 

He paused a minute to get a grip on himself, 
and then continued : 

Finally our boat was overturned. Heaven 
alone knows what became of my two compan- 
ions ; but I fear they must have been drowned. 


312 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Only by the rarest of good fortune, and the 
favor of Providence, was I able to keep afloat 
until cast up amid the tree-tops where you 
found me.’’ 

But why did you shout? Surely you could 
not imagine that any one would be on this 
island to hear you? ” asked Sandy, curious 
still. 

. ‘ ‘ I did not know then it was an island. And 
it seemed to me that I had heard a voice call- 
ing, which I supposed* must belong to one of 
my friends who had luckily gained a footing 
on the shore. That was why I cried out, for 
I was frantic. But I fear much that I am the 
only survivor of the three voyagers.” 

The newcomer was eying them in turn curi- 
ously. 

‘ ‘ And now, ’ ’ he said, ‘ ‘ I would like to know 
your names; for I shall never forget what I 
owe you both. I can see that you must be 
brothers, for there is some resemblance be- 
tween you; though I should say that this one,” 
indicating Sandy, probably takes after his 
mother; while the other is more like his father. 
This without knowing who your parents may 
be.” 

‘ ‘ My name is Alexander, though they always 


WONDERFUL TIDINGS 


313 


call me Sandy. We are the sons of David and 
Mary Armstrong.’’ 

As Sandy spoke Silas Hemphill’s eyes took 
on a new glow, and again he thrust out both 
hands to seize those of the boys. 

How wonderful are the ways of Provi- 
dence! ” he muttered, in a way that gave the 
listening boys a start. ‘‘ To think that my life 
should have been saved by the sons of David 
Armstrong, of all men! ” 

Then you know our father? ” demanded 

Bob. 

No, I have never met him,” came the re- 
ply. But I have heard much about him in 
the country I happened to pass through while 
on my way here from Carolina, where my 
former home lay.” 

The rescued man looked at them both, and 
Bob was thrilled to see tears in his eyes. Why 
should this stranger be so moved at sight of 
David Armstrong’s two boys? He spoke of 
having heard about their father — could that 
have been down in Virginia, in the town which 
had been so cruel to the man who valued his 
honor as he did his very life? 

Bob saw a faint gleam of light. He hardly 
dared believe it at first, in fear lest it prove 


314 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


only a hollow mockery. Still, he could not re- 
sist saying: 

You say you heard much about our father, 
sir, — was it to his credit that these things 
were said; or did they tell you the hateful, ly- 
ing stories that drove him to come far away 
from those who were once his neighbors and 
friends? 

My boy, I heard that which your father 
would give much to know. While I stopped for 
a few days in the town where you dwelt, there 
was a serious fray, in a place where strong 
drink was sold. One man, a black, was badly 
wounded. His name was Scipio, Black Scipio 
he was called, and he used to work in the same 
tobacco warehouse where David Armstrong 
was employed. Before he died the man con- 
fessed that it was his hand that fired the barn, 
for the destruction of which your father was 
blamed. And now Jason Diggett, conscience 
stricken for having driven an honest man into 
exile, wishes to hear from your father in order 
that he make amends, in so far as pounds, shil- 
lings and pence may heal the wound! 


CHAPTER XXX 


CONCLUSION 

For a full minute the two lads just sat there 
and stared at each other. Neither could say 
a single word; indeed, they did not seem to 
even breathe, such was the excess of sheer hap- 
piness that passed over them like a great 
wave. 

Their father’s innocence then was proved! 
His old-time neighbors knew now how griev- 
ously they had wronged the one whose name 
had never before been smirched with a suspi- 
cion of evil doing! 

Suddenly Sandy awoke. He sprang up and 
began to dance wildly about, while he flung his 
arms above his head and shouted at the top 
of his strong, boyish voice. 

It’s come at last. Bob! Just think of it! 
Father is able to look any man in the face now ! 
Hurrah ! it was worth all it cost to learn this ! 
Yes, and I’d go through it again if I had to. 
Thank you, Mr. Hemphill, thank you! You 
315 


316 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


will find a happy family when you go home 
with us, and a warm welcome there ! ’ ’ 

The stranded man looked out over that tum- 
bling sea, and shrugged his shoulders. 

^ ^ Do we have to take the chances of crossing 
that swollen stream? ’’ he asked. 

Yes,’^ said Bob; but we have mended 
our boat, and will have three strong new pad- 
dles to work with. We could stay here until 
to-morrow, but I fear the river may be even 
worse then than now. But you have made us 
both happy. We feel that nothing ought to 
keep us from reaching home this day, to carry 
the blessed news to our dear ones! ” 

Bob started back at his work with feverish 
eagerness; but now joy filled his soul, and 
caused him to chop with new zeal. 

The third paddle was hewn out even while 
Sandy was smoothing off the second with his 
jackknife, he being a master-hand at such work, 
as many boys were in the days when few 
amusements were given them. 

It was now about the middle of the after- 
noon. The sky was still gloomy overhead, and 
Bob had fears that the rain would set in 
again. 

Another reason why we ought to try to 


CONCLUSION 


317 


cross before darkness comes, he said, when 
they spoke about this. 

I only hope it does not start when we are 
out on that flood,’’ answered Sandy, with a 
shiver. 

That would be a misfortune,” declared 
Silas Hemphill. ^ Surely we will not be de- 
serted in the eleventh hour. I hope to shake 
David Armstrong’s hand to-night.” 

Sandy hurried the finishing of the third pad- 
dle. He did not relish the voyage they had 
before them; but there seemed no other course 
open. 

Before starting out they made all things as 
secure as possible. Hemphill had by this time 
fully recovered and professed himself not only 
willing, but able, to do his share of the pad- 
dling. The canoe would carry three, though 
one might find it necessary at times to stop pad- 
dling in order to bale out what water dashed 
over the sides. 

Bob had taken as good a view as possible 
of their expected course. As he could not see 
a great distance down the river he might only 
surmise what awaited them there. 

Of course the one prime necessity was to 
make as quickly as they could toward shore. 


318 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


taking advantage of every eddy to gain a few 
inches or feet at a time. 

I believe I have learned something from 
onr past experience,’’ he remarked, as he took 
his place in the stern, ready to push off. 

Sandy occupied the bow, while Silas Hemp- 
hill was a fixture in the centre, where he could 
assist with his blade, or dip water over the 
side, as occasion arose. 

Ready? ” asked Bob, trying to appear 
quite at his ease, though doubtless his heart 
was thumping at a tremendous rate at the pros- 
pect of their once more daring the dangers of 
the flood. 

Yes, push off. Bob! ” said Sandy, wonder- 
fully grave, for him. 

Truth to tell there was no doubt but that 
every one of them just then was occupied with 
secretly praying that success might attend 
their object, and the friendly shore be attained 
in safety. 

Here goes, then ! ” 

With the words Bob gave a shove, and the 
canoe once more danced upon the swollen wa- 
ters of the furious Ohio. 

Immediately every paddle was set to work. 
The boat made a good start, and shot away 


CONCLUSION 


319 


from the lower end of the island like a thing 
of life, heading for the southern bank of the 
river. 

Then came that strong current, and seized 
hold. The paddles rose and fell, fast and 
faster. Muscles were brought to bear that 
dipped the blades deeply below the surface, 
and, despite the sweep of the tide, they kept 
continually edging nearer and nearer the goal 
for which they were aiming. 

There was a deep satisfaction in this. It 
spurred them all on to doing better things. 
When a wave slopped over the side Silas Hemp- 
hill needed no reminder to tell him his duty, but, 
picking up the little cooking kettle, he started 
to relieve the canoe of its burden of water. 

No one said a word. There was scant breath 
for the work that occupied their attention, not 
to mention talking. Actions must take the 
place of conversation at such a time. 

All the while Bob knew that they were gain- 
ing. The shore for a brief space of time stood 
out more positively than before. True, it was 
beginning to rain, and coming down harder and 
harder with each passing moment; but even 
this could not wholly cast a damper over his 
satisfaction. 


320 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


‘ ‘ Keep going ! All is well ! ’ ^ 

He managed to shout these few words, feel- 
ing that Sandy might be in need of encourage- 
ment. 

Just where they might be no one could even 
give a guess now. It was a fight in the dark, 
apparently; but it could not last much longer. 

Already had Bob noticed with joy that the 
‘‘ pull ’’ of the current was slackening consid- 
erably. There could be but one reason for that 
— the shore was close by, and here the swollen 
river moved with far less impetuosity than out 
in the middle. 

At times it had been difficult to wholly avoid 
a collision with some of the floating trees; but 
these never varied in their steady downward 
progress, and the canoe was capable of veering 
out of the way, so that thus far they had suc- 
ceeded in keeping trouble at bay. 

Only a little more, Sandy! ” called Bob. 

Silas Hemphill again had his paddle work- 
ing, and all together they sent the boat flying 
to the shore. But not one of them was able to 
raise a cheer when finally they ran aground. 

They lay there in the canoe for a short time, 
limp and exhausted, satisfied to know that they 
were at last safely landed. 


CONCLUSION 


321 


It was Sandy quick eyes that suddenly 
made a discovery. 

‘ ‘ Look ! where we have come to land, Bob ! ’ ’ 
he exclaimed, pointing to some bulky object 
that seemed to be fastened to the shore with 
roi>es. 

Why! cried Bob, also taken aback, “ as 
sure as anything that must be Captain Heally’s 
new flatboat, on which he expects some day to 
drift further down the Ohio! WTiat luck, Mr. 
Hemphill! Just to think that we have landed 
in front of home! 

They made haste to scramble ashore, after 
which the canoe was carried up out of reach of 
the hungry tide. By this time several men, 
who had been watching to see that the ropes 
holding the flatboat did not give way, had heard 
them, and came hastening to the spot. 

Shouldering the butfalo meat which had been 
safely carried through all their adventures, 
and with their guns and new paddles, the boys 
started up the hill, eager to reassure those dear 
ones, who must certainly be worrying concern- 
ing their safety. 

Kate was the first to sight them. The girl 
had been to the lookout when the rain held up, 
hoping to get some glimpse of the boat, though 


322 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


no one believed it could cross the river in all 
that angry storm. She had returned to the 
cabin when once more the rain came down, but 
was sitting at a door looking forth when, 
through the mists, she caught sight of them. 

Presently the boys and their guest were in- 
side the cabin, where a warm welcome awaited 
them. Sandy of course could not keep back the 
good news. 

‘‘ Father! he cried, drawing the stranger 
forward, this is Mr. Silas Hemphill, and he 
brings you great joy. Coming from our old 
home, he tells us the barn-burner has been 
found, and confessed his crime! And who do 
you think it was, but that good-for-nothing 
slave, Black Scipio, owned by Jason Diggett 
himself, and who wanted to even the score after 
receiving twenty lashes at the hands of his 
master! 

David Armstrong's strong face paled. Words 
failed him in that supreme moment of happi- 
ness. He could only turn his mute eyes toward 
his wife, who in turn bent her head; and the 
boys knew she was giving thanks to the great 
God on high, because her faith had not been 
in vain. 

It was a happy household that gathered 


CONCLUSION 


323 


under the Armstrong roof that night. Wild 
though the winds howled across the waste of 
waters, furious as the flood swept past, inside 
their walls all was serene. 

Again and again did the newcomer have to 
tell his story. It seemed as though none of 
them could ever hear it often enough. And, 
tired though both boys must have been after 
their hard experiences of that day, neither 
would think of going to bed until a late hour. 

On the morrow a happy event took place, for 
both companions of Silas Hemphill made their 
appearance. They had fortunately kept to- 
gether, and, being carried near a tree, managed 
to scramble into the branches. Some miles 
down the stream the tree was stranded near 
the shore, after getting in an eddy; and by 
great good luck they landed, to make their way 
to the settlement. 

David Armstrong thought little of returning 
to his old Virginia home, even though his name 
had been cleared. This new country looked 
far too good to him to give it up, and, besides, 
there were too many bitter memories connected 
with the Virginia town. 

In good time the repentant Jason Diggett 
did send out quite a bountiful supply of such 


324 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


things as he fancied the new settlers might 
need. David at first was inclined to refuse, but 
finally accepted the gift as in some sort an 
acknowledgment of reparation for the wrong 
done him. What the little family did not need 
he could readily barter with the Indians in his 
new trade relations, receiving in return valu- 
able skins that he could exchange for money or 
for tea, sugar and such necessities. 

Occasionally Bob and Sandy saw their red 
friend, Blue Jacket; but he was chary about 
coming to the settlement^ not having any great 
liking for the whites except the Armstrong 
family. 

The two young pioneers considered that they 
had well nigh exhausted the stock of adven- 
tures that were to fall to their portion when 
they rescued Silas Hemphill from the flood, and 
carried him across the raging river to bring 
good news to the Armstrong cabin. 

Little did they suspect that still more stren- 
uous events were going to befall them later on 
that same season, when their little sister Kate 
was carried off a prisoner by the roving Iro- 
quois. But these adventures must be kept for 
the next story of this series of frontier adven- 
ture, to be called: The Pioneer Boys on the 


CONCLUSION 


325 


Great Lakes; or, On the Trail of the Iro- 
quois.’’ 

The new settlement waxed strong in num- 
bers, as more people came out from the far 
country beyond the range of mountains, and 
joined their forces with those who were first 
on the ground. A blockhouse was soon fin- 
ished, in which the settlers could find refuge 
in case of an Indian attack. Fields were 
planted as fast as the forest was cleared; and 
before Fall arrived it was one of the most thri- 
ving places west of Fort Pitt. 

Daniel Boone came again, and with him that 
fine fellow, Simon Kenton; just then starting 
out on his adventurous career, and destined to 
become so famous in the annals of border war- 
fare. In him the brave and warlike red men 
found a fearless enemy, equal to Boone himself, 
and one ready to dare any peril in defence of 
the hardy settlers. 

As the summer waxed and waned Bob and 
Sandy Armstrong went about their business of 
providing the family with fresh meat, for game 
laws were unknown in those early days, and 
working men must have food to sustain their 
strength. 

While there were occasional times when the 


326 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Shawanees swooped down upon the border set- 
tlements, they somehow seemed to leave this 
peaceful home community alone. And David 
Armstrong and his friends understood that this 
immunity was the result of the time when Boh 
and Sandy took the wounded brave in charge, 
and saved his life. Blue Jacket guarded their 
interests; and the whole community profited 
from the charge. 



THE EK'D. 


NOTES 


Note 1 (page 1) 

Among the people of the frontier it was customary, 
when fortune was kind, so that they happened to 
possess an overabundance of fresh venison, to dry a 
stock of this meat for the lean time when food would 
be scarce. This was known as dried or jerked ” 
venison, and could be nibbled at when on a tramp, or 
else served in the form of a stew, being fairly palatable. 
Of course they picked up this habit of laying in a store 
against a time of necessity from the Indians, who had 
possibly done this same thing through the centuries 
of the past, long before the new America became 
known to the people of the Old World. 


Note 2 (page 10) 

The deer which had fallen to the guns of Bob and 
Sandy was of the common red Virginia species. This 
animal has always been found east of the Mississippi, 
and ranging from the Great Lakes down to the tip 
end of the Florida peninsula. The farther south one 
goes, the smaller the deer becomes; so that it is not 
uncommon for a successful hunter among the palmetto- 
bordered shores of the Mexican Gulf to carry his quarry 
home on his back, with little effort. 

327 


328 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


Note 3 (page 32) 

The usual costume of the day consisted of a heavy 
jacket and trousers, and under the jacket a sort of 
jerkin or close waistcoat made of wool. Underneath 
this was another garment that might perhaps be called 
a shirt, woven in the crude, home-made hand loom, 
and adding much to the comfort of the wearer. 

Except for the woollen jerkin, all the clothing was 
made of a stout cloth that in later days came to be 
known as jeans. It was wear-resisting to a remarkable 
degree, which of course proved to be a blessing all 
around, for new clothes in the families of most pioneers 
must always be an event never to be forgotten in the 
lives of the children. 

Moccasins usually covered the feet, shoes being 
expensive luxuries which few among the settlers could 
afford. To tan a deerskin, and fashion a pair of moc- 
casins, was an accomplishment quickly learned from 
the Indians. 


Note 4 (page 55) 

Perhaps to the boy of to-day the Armstrong home 
would have appeared a very cheerless place. The 
sleeping-places in the loft were reached by means of a 
pair of steep stairs that when not in use could be drawn 
up to the board ceiling, thus affording more room below. 
Over in one corner stood the spinning-wheel which was 
responsible for so many of Bob and Sandy’s comforts 
in the way of clothes. In another quarter was the 
loom at which the good woman of the house was wont 
to fashion the stout cloth from which the outer gar- 


NOTES 


329 


ments of both boys, as well as Mr. Armstrong himself, 
were made. 

Under the small window stood the locker in which 
the housewife kept what small remnant of former 
luxuries in the way of linen remained to her from the 
stores in the comfortable home in Richmond that had 
been theirs before trouble found them out. 

The light from the open windows fell upon the 
bunches of herbs and dried vegetables that hung from 
the low rafters overhead, and upon the steaming pot 
that hung over the blaze in the wide-throated fireplace. 


Note 5 (page 112 ) 

Daniel Boone at this time was still a comparatively 
young man; but already his intrepid soul had drank 
deeply of the cup of adventure; and he felt within him 
the yearning of a true explorer. 

He had, some years before, given up his comfortable 
home in the Yadkin valley, away back in North Caro- 
lina, because the country there was becoming too 
thickly settled '' to please his ideas of comfort. When 
it became necessary to mark the boundaries of his 
fields, and he could actually see the smoke of another 
cabin not over half a mile away, he resolved to put 
into action the designs for a westward move which in 
secret he had long been cherishing. 

His faithful wife gave herself heart and soul to his 
ambition to settle in that mysterious Golden West 
that seemed to be beckoning Boone on. They made a 
first step by crossing the Cumberland Mountains, 
and starting a new home to the west of this range. 

But Boone had already been further in Kentucky, 


330 THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO 


and there was that in the rich plains of the interior 
to draw him like a magnet. When one has seen the 
region long known as the “ Blue Grass country/^ 
around Lexington, and realized what a paradise on 
earth it has ever been, it is not so hard to understand 
why Daniel Boone refused to content himself with a 
home in a safer locality, less favored by Nature. 

In history Boone will always stand at the head of 
the brave pioneers who opened up the grand country 
south of the Ohio. All his later life he was engaged in 
trying to defend the infant settlements against the 
assaults of the red men. These Indians learned to 
respect him as a man more than any other “ paleface 
known to the times. 

Kentucky was known for many years as the “ de- 
batable ground,” simply because of the tremendous 
efforts of the Shawanees, allied with other Indian 
tribes, to burn the new settlements, and drive out the 
pioneers. But by slow degrees they found themselves 
obliged to sue for peace, and cede their glorious lands 
to their conquerors in exchange for certain valuable 
commodities. 

To show what this remarkable man endured for 
the sake of the principle which he had made a part of 
his life, his own words, when speaking of Kentucky, 
may be given as evidence of his sincerity of pur- 
pose: 

“ My footsteps have often been marked by blood, 
and therefore I can truly subscribe to its title of the 
‘ dark and bloody ground.' Two darling sons and a 
brother have I lost by savage hands. Many dark and 
sleepless nights have I been a companion for owls, 
separated from the cheerful society of men, scorched 
by the summer’s sim, and pinched by the winter’s 


NOTES 


331 


cold — an instrument ordained to settle the wilderness. 
But now the scene is changed; peace crowns the sylvan 
shade! 


Note 6 (page 113) 

Simon Kenton was very young at this time; but 
already in Boone he seems to have found the type of 
man whom he aspired to imitate. Brave to a stage of 
rashness, he lacked many of the most admirable qual- 
ities that stamped that peerless pioneer, but he had 
a personality that inspired the respect and admiration 
of all. 

Kenton^s association with Boone in those early 
days had a great influence on his future life. His one 
failing was rashness; and, when dealing with a sly 
and treacherous foe, such as the red men invariably 
proved themselves to be, this was indeed a weakness 
that if not corrected would sooner or later have brought 
about the death of the venturesome frontiersman. 

Boone frequently took his younger companion to 
task for hasty words, or reckless conduct; and it was 
due to his wise counsel and example that Kenton be- 
came later a leader among the pioneers second only 
in influence and ability to Boone himself. 



BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


THE LITTLE COLONEL BOOKS 

(Trade Mark) 

By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON 
Each! vol.,large\2mo, cloth, illustrated, per vol. . $1.50 

THE LITTLE COLONEL STORIES 

(Trade Mark) 

Being three “ Little Colonel ” stories in the Cosy Comer 
Series, “ The Little Colonel, “ Two Little Knights of 
Kentucky,” and “ The Giant Scissors,” in a single volume. 

THE LITTLE COLONEL’S HOUSE PARTY 

(Trade Mark) 

THE LITTLE COLONEL’S HOLIDAYS 

(Trade Mark) 

THE LITTLE COLONEL’S HERO 

(Trade Mark) 

THE LITTLE COLONEL AT BOARDING- 

(Trade Mark) 

SCHOOL 

THE LITTLE COLONEL IN ARIZONA 

(Trade Mark) 

THE LITTLE COLONEL’S CHRISTMAS 

(Trade Mark) 

VACATION 

THE LITTLE COLONEL, MAID OF HONOR 

(Trade Mark) 

THE LITTLE COLONEL’S KNIGHT COMES 

(Trade Mark) 

RIDING 

MARY WARE: THE LITTLE COLONEL’S 

CHUM (Trade Mark) 

MARY WARE IN TEXAS 
MARY WARE’S PROMISED LAND 

These 12 volumes, boxed as a set, $18.00. 

A— 1 


Z. C. PAGE <5r» COMPANVS 


THE LITTLE COLONEL 

(Trade Mark) 

TWO LITTLE KNIGHTS OF KENTUCKY 
THE GIANT SCISSORS 
BIG BROTHER 

Special Holiday Editions 

Each one volume, cloth decorative, small quarto, $1.25 
New plates, handsomely illustrated with eight full-page 
drawings in color, and many marginal sketches. 

IN THE DESERT OF WAITING: The Legend 
OF Camelback Mountain. 

THE THREE WEAVERS: A Fairy Tale for 
Fathers and Mothers as Well as for Their 
Daughters. 

KEEPING TRYST 

THE LEGEND OF THE BLEEDING HEART 
THE RESCUE OF PRINCESS WINSOME: 

A Fairy Play for Old and Young. 

THE JESTER’S SWORD 

Each one volume, tall 16mo, cloth decorative . $0.50 

Paper boards .35 

There has been a constant demand for publication in 
separate form of these six stories which were originally 
included in six of the “ Little Colonel ’ books. 

JOEL: A BOY OF GALILEE: By Annie Fellows 

Johnston. Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman. 

New illustrated edition, uniform with the Little Colonel 
Books, 1 vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative . $1.50 

A story of the time of Christ, which is one of the author’s 
best-known books. 

A~2 


BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


THE LITTLE COLONEL GOOD TIMES BOOK 

Uniform in size with the Little Colonel Series . $1,50 

Bound in white kid (morocco) and gold . . 3,00 

Cover design and decorations by Peter Verberg, 
Published in response to many inquiries from readers 
of the Little Colonel books as to where they could obtain 
a “ Good Times Book ” such as Betty kept. 

THE LITTLE COLONEL DOLL BOOK 

Large quarto, boards $1.50 

A series of “ Little Colonel ” dolls. There are many of 
them and each has several changes of costume, so that 
the happy group can be appropriately clad for the re- 
hearsal of any scene or incident in the series. 

ASA HOLMES; Or, At the Cross-Roads. By 
Annie Fellows Johnston. 

With a frontispiece by Ernest Fosbery. 

Large 16mo, cloth, gilt top $1.00 

“ ‘ Asa Holmes; or. At the Cross-Roads ’ is the most 
delightful, most sympathetic and wholesome book that 
has been published in a long while.” — Boston Times. 

TRAVELERS FIVE: ALONG LIFE’S HIGH- 
WAY. By Annie Fellows Johnston. 

With an introduction by Bliss Carman, and a frontis- 
piece by E. H. Garrett. 

Cloth decorative $1.25 

“ Mrs. Johnston’s . . . are of the character that cause 
the mind to grow gravely meditative, the eyes to shine 
with tender mist, and the heart strings to stir to strange, 
sweet music of human sympathy.” — Los Angeles Graphic. 
THE RIVAL CAMPERS; Or, The Adventures 
OF Henry Burns. By Ruel Perley Smith. 

Square 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated . . $1.50 

A story of a party of typical American lads, courageous, 
alert, and athletic, who spend a summer camping on an 
island off the Maine coast. 

THE RIVAL CAMPERS AFLOAT; Or, The 

Prize Yacht Viking. By Ruel Perley Smith. 

Square 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated . . $1.50 

This book is a continuation of the adventures of “ The 
Rival Campers ” on their prize yacht Viking. 

A— 3 


L. C. PAGE COMPANY'S 


THE RIVAL CAMPERS ASHORE 

By Ruel Perley Smith. 

Square 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated . , $1.50 

“ As interesting ashore as when afloat.” — The Interior. 

THE RIVAL CAMPERS AMONG THE 
OYSTER PIRATES; Or, Jack Harvey’s Adven- 
tures. By Ruel Perley Smith. Illustrated . $1.50 

“ Just the t 3 'pe of book which is most popular with lads 
who are in their early teens.” — The Philadelphia Item. 

A TEXAS BLUE BONNET 

By Caroline Emilia Jacobs (Emilia Elliott). 

12mo, illustrated $1.50 

“ The book’s heroine Blue Bonnet has the very finest 
kind of wholesome, honest lively girlishness and cannot 
but make friends with every one w^ho meets her through 
the book as medium.” — Chicago Inter-Ocean. 

BLUE BONNET’S RANCH PARTY 

A Sequel to “A Texas Blue Bonnet.” By Caroline 
Elliott Jacobs and Edyth Ellerbeck Read. 

12mo, illustrated $1.50 

The new story begins where the first volume leaves off 
and takes Blue Bonnet and the “We Are Seven Club ” 
to the ranch in Texas. The tables are completely turned: 
Blue Bonnet is here in her natural element, wdiile her 
friends from Woodford have to learn the customs and 
traditions of another w'orld. 

THE GIRLS OF FRIENDLY TERRACE 

Or, Peggy Raymond’s Success. By Harriet Lum- 
Mis Smith. 

12mo, illustrated $1.50 

This is a book that will gladden the hearts of many 
girl readers because of its charming air of comradeship 
and reality. It is a very interesting group of girls who 
live on Friendly Terrace and their good times and other 
times are graphically related by the author, who shows 
a sympathetic knowledge of girl character. 

A— 4 


BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


FAMOUS LEADERS SERIES 

By CHARLES H. L. JOHNSTON 
Each, large l2mo, cloth decorative, illustrated . $1.50 

FAMOUS CAVALRY LEADERS 

Biographical sketches, with anecdotes and reminiscences, 
of the heroes of history who were leaders of cavalry, 

“ More of such books should be written, books that 
acquaint young readers with historical personages in a 
pleasant informal way.” — N. Y. Sun. 

FAMOUS INDLA.N CHIEFS 

In this book Mr. Johnston gives interesting sketches of 
the Indian braves who have figured with prominence in 
the history of our own land, including Powhatan, the 
Indian Caesar; Massasoit, the friend of the Puritans; 
Pontiac, the red Napoleon; Tecumseh, the famous war 
chief of the Shawnees; Sitting Bull, the famous war chief 
of the Sioux; GeroLnimo, the renowned Apache Chief, etc. 

FAMOUS PRIVATEERSMEN AND ADVEN- 
TURERS OF THE SEA 

In this volume Mr. Johnston tells interesting stories 
about the famous sailors of fortune. There are tales of 
Captain Otway Burns, patriot, privateer and legislator; 
Woodes Rogers, scourge of the South Sea trade; Captain 
William Death, wolf of the ocean; and of many others. 

FAMpUS SCOUTS 

“ It is the kind of a book that will have a great fascina- 
tion for boys and young men and while it entertains them 
it will also present valuable information in regard to those 
who have left their impress upon, the history of the country. 
— The New London Day. 

FAMOUS FRONTIERSMEN AND HEROES 
OF THE BORDER 

This book is devoted to a description of the adventurous 
lives and stirring experiences of many pioneer heroes 
who were prominently identified with the opening of the 
great west. The stories of these border heroes are graphic- 
ally presented, and their desperate battles with Indians, 
border desperadoes, and wild beasts are splendidly told. 
A— 5 


L. C. PAGE Sf COMPANY’S 


BEAUTIFUL JOE’S PARADISE; Or, The Island 
OF Brotherly Love. A Sequel to “ Beautiful Joe.” 
By Marshall Saunders, author of “ Beautiful Joe.” 
One voL, library 12mo, cloth illustrated . . $1.50 

This book revives the spirit of ' Beautiful Joe ’ capi- 
tally. It is fairly riotous with fun, and is about as unusual 
as anything in the animal book line that has seen the 
hght.” — Philadelphia Item. 

TILDA JANE. By Marshall Saunders. 

One voL, 12mo, fully illustrated, cloth decorative, $1.50 
“ I cannot think of any better book for children than 
this. I commend it unreservedly.” — Cyrus T. Brady. 
TILDA JANE’S ORPHANS. A sequel to “ Tilda 
Jane.” By Marshall Saunders. 

One vol., 12mo, fully illustrated, cloth decorative, $1.50 
Tilda Jane is the same original, delightful girl, and as 
fond of her animal pets as ever. 

’TILDA JANE IN CALIFORNIA. A Sequel to 
“ Tilda Jane,” and “ Tilda Jane’s Orphans.” By 
Marshall Saunders. 

One vol., 12mo, fully illustrated, cloth decorative, $1.50 
The scene of the story is sunny California, where the 
heroine, ’Tilda Jane, an Eastern girl of high resolves and 
warm impulses, goes on a long visit to distant relatives. 
Many of the other beloved characters in the previous 
“ ’Tilda Jane ” books are introduced in this story. 

THE STORY OF THE GRAVELYS. By 
Marshall Saunders, author of “ Beautiful Joe’s 
Paradise,” “ ’Tilda Jane,” etc. 

Library 12mo, cloth decorative. Illustrated by E. B. 

Barry $1.50 

Here we have the haps and mishaps, the trials and 
triumphs, of a delightful New England family. 

BORN TO THE BLUE. By Florence Kimball 
Russel. 

12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated . . . $1.25 

The atmosphere of army life on the plains breathes on 
every page of this delightful tale. The boy is the son of a 
captain of U. S. cavalry stationed at a frontier post in the 
days when our regulars earned the gratitude of a nation. 
A— 6 


BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


IN WEST POINT GRAY 

By Florence Kimball Russel. 

12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated . . . $1.50 

“ Singularly enough one of the best books of the year 
for boys is written by a woman and deals with life at West 
Point. The presentment of life in the famous military 
academy whence so many heroes have graduated is realistic 
and enjoyable .” — New York Sun. 

THE SANDMAN: HIS FARM STORIES 

By William J. Hopkins. With fifty illustrations by 
Ada Clendenin Williamson. 

Large 12mo, decorative cover .... $1.50 

“ An amusing, original book, written for the benefit of 
very small children. It should be one of the most popular 
of the year’s books for reading to small children.” — 
Buffalo Express. 

THE SANDMAN: MORE FARM STORIES 

By William J. Hopkins. 

Large 12mo, decorative cover, fully illustrated $1.50 
Mr. Hopkins’s first essay at bedtime stories met with 
such approval that this second book of “ Sandman ” tales 
was issued for scores of eager children. Life on the farm, 
and out-of-doors, is portrayed in his inimitable maimer. 

THE SANDMAN: HIS SHIP STORIES 

By William J. Hopkins, author of “ The Sandman: 
His Farm Stories,” etc. 

Large 12mo, decorative cover, fully illustrated $1.50 
“ Children call for these stories over and over again.” — 
Chicago Evening Post. 

THE SANDMAN: HIS SEA STORIES 

By William J. Hopkins. 

Large 12mo, decorative cover, fully illustrated $1.50 
Each year adds to the popularity of this unique series 
of stories to be read to the J’ttle ones at bed time and at 
other times. 

A— 7 


Z. C. PAGE COMPANY'S 


THE DOCTOR’S LITTLE GIRL 

By Marion Ames Taggart, 

One voL, library 12mo, illustrated . . . $1.50 

A thoroughly enjoyable tale of a little girl and her com- 
rade father, written in a delightful vein of sympathetic 
comprehension of the child’s point of view. 

“ The characters are strongly drawn with a life-like real- 
ism, the incidents are well and progressively sequenced, 
and the action is so well timed that the interest never 
slackens.” — Boston Ideas. 

SWEET NANCY 

The Further Adventures of the Doctor’s Little 
Girl. By Marion Ames Taggart. 

One vol., library 12mo, illustrated . . . $1.50 

In the new book, the author tells how Nancy becomes 
in fact “ the doctor’s assistant,” and continues to shed 
happiness around her. 

NANCY, THE DOCTOR’S LITTLE PART- 
NER 

By Marion Ames Taggart. 

One vol., library 12mo, illustrated . . . $1.50 

In Nanc}^ Porter, Miss Taggart has created one of the 
most lovable child characters in recent years. In the 
new story she is the same bright and cheerful little maid. 

NANCY PORTER’S OPPORTUNITY 

By Marion Ames Taggart. 

One vol., library 12mo, illustrated . . . $1.50 

Already as the “ doctor’s partner ” Nancy Porter has 
won the affection of her readers, and in the same lovable 
manner she continues in the new book to press the key- 
notes of optimism and good-will. 

ALMA AT HADLEY HALL 

By Louise Breitenbach. 

One vol., 12mo, illustrated $1.50 

“ This delightful tale of boarding-school life is one that 
cannot fail to appeal to the lover of good things in girls’ 
books. It will take rank for its naturalness and truth.” 
— Portland Press. 

A— 8 


BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


GABRIEL AND THE HOUR BOOK 

By Evaleen Stein. 

Small quarto, cloth decorative, illustrated and deco- 
rated in colors by Adelaide Everhart . . . $1.00 

Gabriel was a loving, patient, little French lad, who 
assisted the monks in the long ago days, when all the books 
were written and illuminated by hand, in the monasteries. 

“ No works in juvenile fiction contain so many of the 
elements that stir the hearts of children and grown-ups as 
well as do the stories so admirably told by this author.” 
— Louisville Daily Courier. 

A LITTLE SHEPHERD OF PROVENCE 

By Evaleen Stein. 

Cloth, 12mo, illustrated by Diantha H. Marlowe $1 . 25 
“ The story should be one of the influences in the life 
of every child to whom good stories can be made to 
appeal.” — Public Ledger. 

THE LITTLE COUNT OF NORMANDY 

By Evaleen Stein. 

Cloth, 12mo, illustrated by John Goss . . $1.25 

“ This touching and pleasing story is told with a wealth 
of interest coupled with enlivening descriptions of the 
country where its scenes are laid and of the people there- 
of.” — Wilmington Every Evening. 

ALYS-ALL-ALONE 

By Una Macdonald. 

Cloth, 12mo, illustrated $1.50 

“ This is a most delightful, well-written, heart-stirring, 
happy ending story, which will gladden the heart of many 
a reader.” — Scranton Times. 

ALYS IN HAPPYLAND. A Sequel to “ Alys-All 
Alone.” By Una Macdonald. 

Cloth, 12mo, illustrated $1.50 

“ The book is written with that taste and charm that 
prepare younger readers for the appreciation of good litera- 
ture when they are older.” — Chicago Tribune. 

' A— 9 


Z. C. PAGE 6- COMPANY'S 


THE RED FEATHERS. By G. E. T. Roberts. ^ 
Cloth decorative, illustrated . . . . $1.50 

“ The Red Feathers ” tells of the remarkable adventures 
of an Indian boy who lived in the Stone Age, many years 
ago, when the world was young. 

FLYING PLOVER. By G. E. Theodore Roberts. 
Cloth decorative. Illustrated by Charles Livingston 

Bull $1.00 

Squat-By-The-Fire is a very old and wise Indian who 
lives alone with her grandson, “ Flying Plover,” to whom 
she tells the stories each evening. 

COMRADES OF THE TRAILS. By G. E. 

Theodore Roberts. 

Cloth decorative. Illustrated by Charles Livingston 

Bull $1.50 

The story of a fearless young English lad, Dick Ramsey, 
who, after the death of his father, crosses the seas and 
takes up the life of a hunter in the Canadian forests. 

MARCHING WITH MORGAN. How Donald 
Lovell Became a Soldier of the Revolution. 

By John V. Lane. 

Cloth decorative, illustrafed .... $1.50 

This is a splendid boy’s story of the expedition of 
Montgomery and Arnold against Quebec. 

RODNEY, THE RANGER Or, With Daniel 
Morgan on Trail and Battlefield. By John V. 
Lane. 

Cloth decorative, illustrated . . . . $1.50 

Young Rodney Allison, although but fifteen years of 
age, played a man’s part in the troublous times pre- 
ceding the American Revolution and in the War itself. 

CHINESE PLAYMATES 

By Norman H. Pitman. 

Small cloth 12mo, illustrated . . . . $1.00 

A worth-while, happy little story about two little 
Chinese boys, Lo-Lo and Ta-Ta, and the strange fortunes 
that befell them when they wandered from home. 

A— 10 


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